SA Weather Service urges citizens to heed warnings in face of La Niña

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is urging the public to take all weather warnings seriously to help prevent disasters.

This comes as the country transitions into a weak La Niña event, which is expected to bring above-normal rainfall to most parts of South Africa.

A La Niña event is a climate pattern that occurs when ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than usual. This shift affects global wind and weather patterns, often resulting in increased rainfall and thunderstorms.

SAWS climate scientist Cobus Olivier said the latest seasonal forecast shows high confidence of wetter conditions over the summer months.

“For the summer rainfall areas, particularly the central and north-eastern parts of the country, we are expecting above-normal rainfall during the December, January and February period. Our confidence in this forecast is quite high.”

While increased rainfall may benefit agriculture and improve dam levels, SAWS warns that it also poses serious risks to vulnerable communities.

Recent heavy rainfall in parts of KwaZulu-Natal led to widespread flooding, resulting in loss of life and damage to infrastructure.

SAWS senior forecaster Jacki Modika said the service remains committed to ensuring early warnings are accessible to all.

“Severe thunderstorms affected Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, bringing large hail, intense downpours and strong winds, with northern Gauteng and adjacent areas of Limpopo among the hardest hit. These incidents capped off a year marked by profound loss, including devastating flooding in the eastern parts of the country, where more than 100 people lost their lives, particularly in rural communities and areas around Mthatha.”

She added that strengthening preparedness remains a priority.

“We honour their memory by reinforcing our collective resolve to reduce future loss of life and damage to property through effective early warnings, preparedness and response.”

As the festive season approaches, SAWS has warned that unsettled weather conditions are likely to persist into early 2026.

Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said rainfall is expected to continue across several provinces.

“As we move into the festive season, there’s still a 60% chance of afternoon showers and thundershowers, particularly over Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. These are expected to be mostly isolated, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

The public is urged to plan ahead and remain alert to weather alerts as conditions evolve.