Possible thunderstorms, flooding in Pretoria
“Temperatures are expected to improve from Thursday with cooler weather conditions.”
Pretoria residents can expect heavy rain downpours, severe thunderstorms and cold temperature for most of Tuesday leading to Wednesday.
South African Weather Forecaster, Edward Engelbrecht, said there will be a 60% chance for thundershowers across Pretoria on Tuesday.
“There is a possibility of thundershowers which may result in localised flooding.”
He said rain will continue into Wednesday with 30% chance of showers. Later during the day, it might clear up.
“For the rest of the week, the weather will slowly improve with clear conditions. We are not expecting rain, just partly cloudy weather.”
Snowfall (5 to 10 cm) started on the Drakensberg and Maluti mountains from Monday afternoon. Cold temperatures are also expected over the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and parts of the Highveld including Gauteng.
Forecaster Wayne Venter explained that the weather system responsible for this is called a cut-off low pressure, which is a deep, closed low pressure that is displaced equatorward of the main westerly flow.
“Widespread rainfall, in the form of showers and thunderstorms, started Monday across the central and southern provinces.”
Venter said rainfall accumulations of 20 to 40mm are expected, with some areas possibly exceeding 50mm.
“Due to the ground already being mostly saturated over the central and eastern interior of the country, these showers will result in localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges. The Wild Coast and adjacent interior can expect significant rainfall on Tuesday evening, resulting in flooding of roads and settlements.”
He said severe thunderstorms with large amounts of small hail as well as strong, damaging winds are expected over the central interior, shifting slightly eastwards on Tuesday. These storms could result in damage to settlements as well as localised structural damage.
The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to this weather system.
Pretoria weather for the week:
Tuesday is expected to reach a maximum of 20°C
Wednesday is expected to reach a maximum of 17°C
Thursday is expected to reach a maximum of 23°C
Friday is expected to reach a maximum of 25°C
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