Weather Alert: December's final weekend brings flooding risk as thunderstorms sweep across parts of SA

The final weekend of December is set to begin on a turbulent note, with widespread showers and thunderstorms expected across large parts of the country on Saturday, while conditions begin to ease slightly on Sunday.

Saturday will see the most active weather, particularly over the central and northern interior. The South African Weather Service has indicated a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms over Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Free State.

These storms are expected to be scattered to widespread, with rain chances sitting at around 60% in most of these regions, increasing to 80% in places where storms become more organised.

Heavy downpours may lead to localised flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas, while excessive lightning and small hail remain a concern in populated centres.

The eastern parts of the country, including KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, can also expect a wet Saturday, with rain chances of about 60% along the coast and adjacent interior. Showers here are likely to be accompanied by gusty winds at times, especially along the coastline.

In contrast, much of the Northern Cape and parts of the Western Cape will remain largely dry, with minimal rainfall expected and rain chances below 30%.

By Sunday, conditions begin to shift. While showers and thunderstorms will persist over the eastern interior, including Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, they are expected to be more scattered, with rain chances generally around 30 to 60%.

Cooler air will follow the rain in the east, while the central interior experiences a mix of sunshine and cloud with isolated showers.

The western interior and Western Cape are expected to enjoy a mostly fine and warm to hot Sunday, with dry conditions dominating and little to no chance of rain. Coastal areas in the south and east may remain breezy, with cooler conditions lingering where cloud and showers persist.

Residents in storm-prone areas are urged to remain weather-aware, especially on Saturday, as sudden heavy rain and lightning could disrupt travel and outdoor plans.

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