Central SA
Weather service warns about heavy rain, thunderstorms in festive season─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:51 Fri, 19 Dec 2025
South Africans should be extra cautious as above-normal rainfall and thunderstorms are expected during the festive season..
The SA Weather Service warns increased rainfall is forecast for Christmas and New Year’s, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the country, with a mix of warm to cool conditions.
Residents, holidaymakers, and travellers are urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions. The department of Cogta, working with provincial and municipal disaster management centres, remains on high alert and ready to respond to any weather-related incidents.
Forecasters predict scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers mainly over the eastern parts of the country, including the Free State, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.
Fine and hot conditions are expected over the Western and Northern Cape, where windy conditions are increasing the risk of veld fires, the service said during its updated seasonal climate outlook for December to April during a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday (18/12).
'Increased risk of flooding, lightning, strong winds'
“While rainfall is welcome in many areas,” said Cogta minister’s spokesperson Pearl Maseko-Binqose, “these conditions increase the risk of flooding, lightning, strong winds, and reduced visibility on roads.
“As families travel and gather to celebrate the festive season, safety must remain a priority. We urge everyone to act responsibly, remain vigilant, and cooperate with local authorities to prevent avoidable loss of life and damage.”
A weak La Niña weather pattern is affecting South Africa, the weather service said, and warned that above normal rainfall is likely to occur through the festive season and into early next year, increasing the risk of flooding.
‘Residents are advised to report weather emergencies to local disaster management’
La Niña is a climate pattern characterised by cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, the opposite of El Niño, typically bringing above-average rainfall to the country.
The minister advised the public to:
- Promptly report weather-related emergencies to local disaster management centres.
- Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and low-lying areas.
- Keep children and other vulnerable loved ones away from swollen rivers, streams, and open water.
- Stay indoors where possible or exercise extra caution when travelling, particularly during thunderstorms.
- Secure homes, informal structures, and loose items that may be affected by strong rainfall and winds.
