After a rain-soaked November across much of South Africa, it appears December will continue the same pattern, with the SA Weather Service forecasting more widespread rainfall next week.
The country has already experienced higher than usual rainfall for this time of year, with many regions recording rain at least three to five times a week.
According to independent agricultural meteorologist Johan van den Berg, the above-average rainfall is being driven by two major climate factors. The first is the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, a Pacific Ocean climate pattern with two phases: La Niña and El Niño.
The second factor is the state of sea-surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean, which also plays a significant role in influencing summer rainfall over southern Africa, van den Berg said as per African Farming.
Warm Sunday ahead, followed by more rain on 01 December
On Sunday, the weather service forecast a relatively warm day for the northern parts of the country, with a 30% chance of afternoon thundershowers expected across Gauteng and neighbouring provinces.
As December officially begins on Monday, more widespread rain is expected in most regions. In Pretoria, thunderstorms are likely from the afternoon into the evening, with temperatures dropping to the low 20s.
The weather service has also issued warnings for severe thunderstorms, which may bring heavy downpours leading to localised flooding of roads and low-lying bridges, strong winds and small to large hail.
These conditions are expected in parts of Gauteng, the eastern Free State, the Highveld and escarpment regions of Mpumalanga, as well as the south-central areas of Limpopo.
From 02 December, the SA Weather Service has predicted a 30% chance of rain in many regions.
