Cape Town – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning about heavy rains and severe thunderstorms across central and eastern parts of South Africa from 16 to 19 February 2025.
Communities in low-lying areas should be on high alert for disruptive rainfall, with expected accumulation between 20 to 50 mm.
Severe thunderstorms, with strong winds, excessive lightning, hail, and heavy downpours, are predicted in the southern Free State and northern Eastern Cape.
“Motorists and pedestrians should be extra cautious where roads are slippery and/or visibility is affected. These conditions with cloudy to overcast skies are expected across South Africa along with subregions of ordinary showers and thundershowers.
⛈️Weather & severe weather alerts for today & tomorrow, 16 – 17 February 2025.
Cloudy & cool conditions are expected over the central & eastern parts of the country, with isolated to scattered showers & thundershowers, but widespread over the North West, Gauteng & Free State. pic.twitter.com/HcdBBLP4xK— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) February 16, 2025
“The rainfall accumulation is expected to be in the region of 20 to 50 millimetres (mm). Daytime temperatures in these regions are also expected to be cool. The transport of moist tropical air from continental low over Botswana is the main source of the current cloudy and showery conditions,” SAWS said.
Additionally, the west and southwest coasts of the Cape Provinces may experience strong damaging winds due to a tight pressure gradient.
⛈️Weather outlook for Tuesday & Wednesday, 18 – 19 February 2025.
Cloudy & cool conditions are expected over the central & eastern areas, with scattered to widespread showers & thundershowers. #saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/ldMxOIBSuR— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) February 16, 2025
By Monday, 17 February, widespread showers (80%) will extend to Gauteng and North West, with continued heavy rain expected throughout the week. Persistent showers may last until Thursday morning, particularly affecting the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coastal areas.
SAWS has advised residents to take precautions, including avoiding flooded roads, moving to higher ground, and being cautious in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
