Rainfall likely to dampen planned marches

Those taking part in protest marches in Gauteng calling for President Jacob Zuma to either resign or be removed are advised to take along raincoats as rain is expected in the province similar to Thursday’s downpours, following several weeks of dry conditions.

Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, forecaster at the South African Weather Service Wayne Venter said residents in the southern parts of the province can expect a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers, while those in the northern parts, which includes Pretoria where the main march will be held, can expect 30% chances on Friday.

“The rain in the south can be expected anytime from midday and in the northern parts from 2pm.

“It is expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy for the better part of the day,” said Venter.

Contrary to the warm to hot conditions that have been experienced in the province over the past couple of days, maximums in Pretoria are expected to drop to 26^oC while Johannesburg will peak at 24^oC.

Maximum temperatures in the province were for the better part of this week ranging between highs of late 20s and early 30s in the province.

Elsewhere, in KwaZulu-Natal, where similar protest action is also expected, residents can expect cool and wet weather conditions.

There is a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers on the cards, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the province and 80% widespread chances in the extreme southern parts.

In the Eastern Cape, temperatures are expected to remain in the cool to cold categories, with an 80% chance of showers and thundershowers expected.

Temperatures in the northeastern interior, which includes areas such as Barkley East and Elliot, are expected to range between 16 and 17^oC.

Good chances of rain are also expected in the Free State, with an 80% chance expected over the southern parts of the province, while isolated showers are on the cards for Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

While the southwestern parts of the Western Cape, which includes Cape Town, are expected to remain dry, there is a 30%-60% chance of showers over the central and eastern parts of the province.

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