South Africans planning festive season gatherings, travel and outdoor celebrations have been warned to keep a close eye on the skies, with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasting wet and unstable conditions for both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The forecast was delivered during a media briefing in Tshwane on Thursday, where senior SAWS forecaster Jacqueline Modika outlined what residents across the country can expect during one of the busiest travel and holiday periods of the year. According to SAWS, December 25 and January 1 are likely to be partly cloudy, with most of the rainfall expected later in the day.
Modika said the country should brace for isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, mainly over the central and eastern regions. While the mornings may offer a brief window of calmer weather in some areas, the risk of rain and storms will increase as the day progresses.
“Looking ahead to the festive season, including Christmas and the New Year period, the South African Weather Service expects partly cloudy and warm-to-cool conditions across much of the country,” Modika said.
She explained that the pattern of rainfall would follow a familiar summer trend for many parts of South Africa, particularly the interior.
“Thunderstorm activity is expected to occur primarily in the afternoons, although periods of increased moisture may result in morning showers in some areas. Much of the rainfall during this period will be associated with afternoon and evening thundershowers, which may at times be accompanied by heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds,” she said.
The forecast means that families planning outdoor Christmas lunches, braais or picnics, as well as those attending church services or community events, may need to remain flexible and prepared for sudden changes in the weather. The same applies to New Year’s Day celebrations, which often involve travel, outdoor parties and visits to beaches, parks or relatives.
While the rain is welcome in a country that remains vulnerable to drought in some areas, SAWS has cautioned that heavy downpours can pose serious risks, particularly when combined with poor drainage, flooding and lightning strikes.
Modika stressed that weather warnings should not be ignored, especially by people living in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
“It is of utmost importance for the public, particularly vulnerable communities, to regularly consult credible weather forecasts and warning sources for developments and take appropriate action as part of their daily routine,” she said.
She also pointed to recent extreme weather events as a reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous.
“As recent history tells us, this can be a matter of life and death,” Modika said.
With thousands of people expected to be on the roads over the festive period, SAWS has also urged motorists to take extra care. Wet roads, poor visibility and sudden storms can increase the risk of accidents, particularly in the afternoons and evenings when thunderstorms are more likely.
Authorities have encouraged residents and travellers to factor changing weather conditions into their festive plans, whether they are driving long distances, attending outdoor events or spending time near rivers and streams.
SAWS has provided a set of practical safety guidelines to help the public reduce the risk of injury, damage to property or loss of life during thunderstorm activity. Residents are encouraged to seek shelter when thunderstorms approach and to move vehicles under cover where possible to prevent damage from hail, falling branches or flooding.
Motorists are warned not to drive through flooded roads, as it is often difficult to judge water depth and strong currents can sweep vehicles away. Similarly, people are advised to avoid crossing flooded bridges, which may be structurally compromised or submerged.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report fallen trees, flooding or damage to municipal authorities so that emergency services can respond quickly and reduce further risk.
Staying informed remains a key message from the weather service. SAWS has urged residents to follow official weather updates and warnings, rather than relying on rumours or unverified information shared on social media. Regularly checking forecasts can help households plan their days more safely and avoid unnecessary exposure to severe weather.
Taking necessary precautions during thunderstorm activity is especially important for those spending time outdoors. This includes avoiding open fields during lightning storms, keeping away from tall trees or metal structures, and ensuring that children are supervised when weather conditions deteriorate.
Festive travel plans, SAWS said, should always consider the possibility of sudden weather changes. This may mean allowing extra travel time, planning rest stops carefully, or delaying journeys if conditions become unsafe.
While the forecast does not suggest continuous rain throughout Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, the likelihood of afternoon and evening storms means that South Africans are being urged to plan ahead and remain alert.
For many, the festive season is a time of rest, celebration and family gatherings. SAWS has emphasised that with a little preparation and awareness, these occasions can still be enjoyed safely, even in unsettled weather conditions.
As the country moves into the heart of summer, SAWS will continue to monitor conditions and issue updates where necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and to treat all weather warnings with the seriousness they deserve.
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