Possible thunderstorms and showers this weekend

Pretoria residents can look forward to another weekend of possible rain showers and thunderstorms, according to the South African Weather Services (SAWS).

Thursday’s weather will be mostly partly cloudy with expected showers and thundershowers later in the evening, with minimum temperatures of 13ºC to maximum temperatures of 28ºC.

Friday’s weather conditions are expected to start with showers and thundershowers in the early morning, which will continue throughout the day. Residents will experience slight rain later in the evening.

SAWS spokesperson Lehlohonolo Tlhobela said residents might experience severe thunderstorms on Friday, which were expected to result in heavy downpours and strong winds.

“The weather conditions are mainly expected over Gauteng, not just isolated to Pretoria,” Thobela added.

SAWS also predicted a 60% rain probability with an amount of 30mm in the afternoon.

Saturday morning is expected to be mostly sunny, which will last through to the afternoon.

Tlhobela said Saturday there will be an isolated chance of thundershowers mainly in the eastern parts of Gauteng province, which included Pretoria with a 30% chance of rain.

Sunday will be mostly sunny weather for family outings, picnics, and braais; however, “we are expecting isolated chances of showers and thundershowers over Gauteng as a whole,” Tlhobela concluded.

SAWS added that Saturday’s sunrise is expected to be at around 06:16 while the sunset will be at 18:05.

Emer-G-Med spokesperson Kyle van Reenen has the below safety tips for wet weather:

– Pull over to a safe area when caught in a heavy storm.

– Turn off all electrical and gas appliances should you be indoors during a flood.

– Never drive into deep water as only a depth of 60cm is required to wash a vehicle away.

– Be aware of your weather forecast before travel.

– Ensure you keep emergency numbers handy.

– Don’t park or stand under a tree during heavy rainfall as dead branches can damage your vehicle or injure you.

Residents can call emergency medi