Tshwane Emergency Services urges residents to stay safe and warm
The South African Weather Service has forecast cold and rainy conditions from Sunday, extending into Monday morning.
The Tshwane Emergency Services Department (TEMS) has issued a warning to residents to stay warm as temperatures are forecast to take a plunge, with a chance of rain predicted for Pretoria.
This is as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 1 warning of severe thunderstorms in Tshwane.
The service warns of possible damage to informal settlements, with flash-flooding to susceptible low-lying roads and bridges.
TEMS spokesperson, Deputy Chief Charles Mabaso said that the department has taken note of the forecast.
“The possibility of thundershowers, with cold and windy conditions is forecast over parts of Gauteng from the afternoon of Sunday 2 June 2024 extending to Monday, 3 June 2024,” said Mabaso.
“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department is calling on residents to keep warm but be safe this winter.”
Mabaso said that special caution should be applied to the making of fires, as many try to keep warm in the weather.
He urged residents to exercise caution by observing the following safety precautions:
• If there is any fire danger exposure to dwellings, like shacks or houses, vegetation or veld fires, dial the toll-free number 107 for emergencies
• Burning charcoal gives off deadly amounts of carbon monoxide, so do not leave it in the house when sleeping
• Never use fuels that are not designed for your heating unit
• Improper use of space heaters (izimbawula, braziers, and electric, gas and paraffin heaters, among others) should be avoided
• Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out (no controlled burning will be approved during this period)
“The above safety tips are not exhaustive and residents are encouraged to do everything they possibly can to stay safe,” he said
“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor updates by SAWS and issue further notices when required,” said Mabaso.
“After a relatively dry and warmer-than-usual month of May, South Africans can expect the first significant drop in daytime temperatures over the coming days,” SAWS said in a statement on Friday.
“Showers and thundershowers [are] possible across most parts and even some snow over elevated areas.”
“This is a result of a developing cut-off low-pressure system (the northwards displacement of a low-pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere) over the western and southern parts of the country from Sunday into Monday (2 to 3 June).”
Cut-off low-pressure systems are associated with rainfall, snow, and strong winds.
Pretoria is forecast to have a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers starting from the afternoon.
Temperatures on Sunday are expected to peak at 24°C.
Monday will bring a 30% chance of rain, with temperatures dipping to 7°C, and a maximum of 17°C.
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