POLOKWANE – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of heavy and disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa from this Sunday to at least next Wednesday (January 5-8).

The expected persistent rainfall, with associated risks, is due to an impending cut-off low-pressure system that will cause heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding in affected areas.

A Level 2 disruptive rain warning is currently in place for Polokwane for both Friday and Saturday.

“Localised flooding of susceptible low-lying areas and bridges is expected as well as the possibility of closure of low-lying roads and dirt roads as well as poor driving conditions,” the warning reads.

The SAWS has emphasised the need for caution and preparedness among all road users and the public as the festive season ends.

“Usually, summer thundershowers are confined to the afternoon and early evening hours. However, the continuous flow of warm moist air (tropical moisture) to South Africa from countries to the north is expected to cause showers at any time of the day. This means that ordinary or heavy showers could be expected between 18:00 and 01:00 in the early morning,” a press release reads.

“According to the Road Traffic Management Centre (RTMC), these are critical hours that road users should avoid driving. For this festive season, a higher number of road fatalities than in previous years has already been reported, and the SAWS, in collaboration with the RTMC, would like to urge motorists, pedestrians and the public to be extra vigilant and careful on the roads during these conditions to prevent the further loss of lives.

The anticipated weather poses significant risks for motorists, particularly due to:

• Flooded Roads: Heavy rains could result in water pooling on roads, making them slippery and reducing visibility.
• Low-Lying Areas: Roads in flood-prone regions may become impassable, risking vehicle damage or even endangering lives.
• Reduced Visibility: Cloud cover and rain may significantly impair visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Traffic Congestion: Adverse conditions often lead to slower traffic and increased congestion.

What this means for Polokwane: 

Polokwane is set to experience a period of increased rainfall and thunderstorms over the coming days, according to  AccuWeather.

Residents should prepare for wet conditions and potential disruptions, with mild to warm and humid conditions expected.

According to AccuWeather’s forecast, the city can expect the following conditions:

• Saturday, January 4: A stray thunderstorm in the morning; otherwise, some sun, then turning cloudy. A high of 29°C and low of 20°C.
• Sunday, January 5: Widely separated morning thunderstorms, otherwise, cloudy. A high of 28°C and low of 19°C.
• Monday, January 6: Cloudy and humid with a couple of thundershowers. High of 26°C and low of 19°C.

In addition, Polokwane is set to experience cloudy and humid conditions with varying chances of thunderstorms throughout the week.

On Tuesday, January 7, temperatures will reach 27°C with widely scattered thunderstorms and a 41% chance of rain.

Wednesday, January 8, will see a higher likelihood of precipitation (83%), including morning thundershowers and an afternoon thunderstorm, with temperatures as high as 32°C.

Thursday, January 9, will bring thick cloud cover and widely separated thunderstorms, accompanied by winds from the east-northeast at 15 km/h and a maximum temperature of 27°C.

Friday, January 10, is expected to have morning thunderstorms followed by mostly cloudy skies, with a slightly cooler high of 26°C and a 49% chance of rain.

“Given the potential impacts from this Sunday to at least Wednesday, it is crucially important for the public to stay informed by monitoring weather warnings and updates from the SAWS,” their statement reads.