What Weather Can Residents Expect?
Residents in Gauteng should prepare for cloudy conditions with widespread showers and thundershowers on Friday, as there is an 80% chance of rain across the region. This weather pattern is expected to continue into the weekend, although the probability of rainfall will decrease to about 60% on Saturday and Sunday, according to the South African Weather Service.
In Cape Town, light rain is forecast to begin around 2 AM on Saturday, with humidity levels at 70% and temperatures around 16°C. By 2 PM, temperatures are expected to rise to 19°C with clearer weather conditions.
Warnings and Forecasts
A level 2 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms, particularly affecting Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and northern Gauteng. These storms may lead to heavy downpours and a risk of localised flooding. Tokelo Chiloane from the South African Weather Service noted, “This weather is expected to continue to Saturday as well as Sunday; however, we’ll only be under a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers for the weekend.”
On Sunday, Cape Town is expected to experience significant improvement in weather conditions, with clear skies and a maximum temperature of 27°C and no rainfall anticipated. This change is a welcome relief for residents after the light rain expected on Saturday, which is projected to bring around 3 mm of precipitation.
Looking Ahead
According to meteorologists, a sustained spell of tropically sourced rainfall is likely for a large part of southern Africa, especially over the central and eastern interior, extending through the weekend. Thunderstorms are also expected to accompany the rain, with some storms potentially becoming severe, characterized by heavy downpours and a distinct risk of localised flooding.
Wind speeds between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay are expected to reach 50-60 km/h, with wave heights along the coast projected to be between 4-4.5 meters. As the weekend progresses, residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and heed any warnings issued by local authorities.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timing and intensity of the storms, but the situation will be monitored closely as it develops.
