Media Release

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Friday, 3 January 2025

Expected heavy rain: A threat to motorists and the public during the end of the
festive season

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is alerting motorists returning to economic
activities, pedestrians and the public to be aware of heavy, disruptive rain across the central
and eastern regions of South Africa from this Sunday to at least Wednesday (5 to 8 January
2025). The expected persistent rainfall, with associated risks, emphasises the need for caution
and preparedness among all road users and the public.
Scattered (60%) and widespread (80%) showers and thundershowers are expected on Sunday
across the central and eastern regions of South Africa, as can be seen in Figure 1 below. These
regions include North West, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the southern parts of
Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

Figure 1: Weather forecast for Sunday, 5 January 2025, where scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers can be
expected over the central interior as well as the eastern parts of the country.

Certified for Board Members: Mr Itani Phaduli (Chairperson), Ms Sandika Daya (Deputy Chairperson), Dr Thulani
Luthuli, Ms Mmapula Kgari, Ms Nana Magomola, Prof Sylvester Mpandeli, Dr Grant Son, Dr Mmaphaka
Excellence Tau, Ms Ane Bruwer, Mr Maesela Kekana (DFFE Rep), Mr Ishaam Abader (CEO).
Company Secretary: Mr Nkululeko Ndebele

Public document Document Reference: CS-CMS-LETT-003 Medrel3Jan2025

The likelihood of a significant increase in rainfall accumulation is suggested, with amounts
ranging from 50 to 70 mm (see output of weather model in Figure 2). To this effect, road
flooding, slippery surfaces, and broad flash flooding are possible. The use of vehicle headlights,
while driving at a reasonably low speed, will be useful during the showery conditions. Motorists
should ensure clear windscreens, as traffic and road markings could be difficult to see during the
occurrence of heavy rain, even for vehicles with properly working wipers, in some instances.
Further, it is inevitable that some low-water bridges could overflow, with powerful water
currents that could sweep away vehicles and lead to loss of lives and property. It is strongly
advised that motorists do not enter flooded low-water bridges or roads.

Figure 2: Projected rainfall accumlations for Sunday (5 January 2025) where amounts of 50 to 70 mm can be anticipated.
(Courtesy, Unified Model).

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 even heavy showers could be expected even between 18h00 in the evening and
01h00 in the early morning. According to the Road Traffic Management Centre (RTMC), these are
the critical hours that road users should avoid driving. For this festive season, a higher number of
road fatalities than 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 rainfall distribution is anticipated to remain scattered to widespread across the central and
eastern regions of the country on Monday, 6 January 2025, as reflected in Figure 3. These
conditions will most likely be accompanied by the persistence of disruptive rain and localised
flooding across North West, the Free State, Gauteng as well as the western Bushveld of Limpopo,
Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, as shown in Figure 4. These adverse weather conditions are
expected to persist until Wednesday 8 January 2025 over the north-eastern and eastern
provinces, where potential flooding can be expected as a result of the persistent rainfall.

Public document Document Reference: CS-CMS-LETT-003 Page 2 of 4

Figure 3 : Weather forecast for Monday, where scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers can be expected over the
central interior as well as the eastern parts of the country.

Figure 4: Projected rainfall accumlations for Monday (6 January 2025) where amounts of 50 to 70 mm can be anticipated.
(Courtesy, Unified Model).

Incidents of heavy rain are expected across the eastern regions of the Republic towards
midweek, although clearance is on the cards across the central region. Vigilant and safe driving
should remain in force.

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The summer rainfall areas of South Africa have been significantly impacted by heavy rainfall
throughout December 2024, resulting in flooding and localised structural and infrastructural
damage.

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. Such
weather warnings are updated daily and could be accessed on the SAWS website
(www.weathersa.co.za) and from broadcasts on local radios and television channels.
Furthermore, intermediate updates may be followed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South
African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media platforms.
To ensure safety and preparedness, the following precautions are advised:
• Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams.
• Move to higher ground if rising water levels are observed.
• Refrain from travelling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas, which are particularly
vulnerable to flooding.
Adherence to these guidelines can significantly reduce risks and help ensure public safety during
this period of adverse weather conditions.
Compiled by: Samkelisiwe Thwala (Forecaster)

Edited by: Vanetia Phakhula (Senior Forecaster)

Approved by: Puseletso Mofokeng (Acting Manager)

For technical and weather enquiries:

National Forecasting Centre: Tel: 012 367 6041

Media enquiries: Ms Hannelee Doubell: Manager, Communications; Tel: (012) 367 6104; Cell: 072 222 6305; E-mail:
[email protected]

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