Severe weather expected in Pretoria this weekend
Pretoria residents should prepare for a sharp turn in the weather from Friday as a powerful cut-off low moves across the country, bringing the threat of thunderstorms, possible hail, strong gusts and cooler daytime temperatures.
The system, tracked by meteorological services, will begin affecting western and central areas on Thursday before spreading eastwards and producing rain across all nine provinces on Friday. Local forecasts indicate Pretoria will be mostly warm and dry on Thursday, with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected to arrive in Gauteng from Friday.
“There is a risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of Gauteng, North West and the Free State from Friday afternoon into Saturday evening,”
the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said, adding storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, excessive lightning, hail and strong, gusty winds.
What to expect in Pretoria
Forecasters say daytime highs in the city will drop noticeably. The figure to watch is the shift from the high 20s to the low 20s for daytime maximums, while overnight lows are expected to sit around 10–12°C. Rain and thunder are likely to continue through the weekend as the system lingers and moves east.
- Possible hazards: heavy rain, lightning, hail and damaging wind gusts
- Temperature change: highs fall from about 29°C to the low 20s
- Advice for residents: avoid flooded roads and low-lying bridges; secure loose outdoor items; keep clear of trees and metal structures during storms
Wider risk and rainfall totals
Although Pretoria is not expected to face the most extreme impacts, the broader cut-off low could produce very heavy rainfall and strong winds in other parts of the country. Weather outlets monitoring the system warned that accumulated rainfall may approach 150mm in some areas of the North West or Northern Cape, depending on the storm track — a figure that could produce widespread flooding where it occurs.
Wind gusts of 60–90km/h are possible in parts of the Cape provinces and the central interior, while gusts could exceed 100km/h in sections of the Northern Cape on Friday. Yellow impact-based warnings for damaging winds, disruptive rainfall and severe thunderstorms are already in place for several regions.
| Item | Pretoria forecast |
|---|---|
| Daytime highs | Low 20s (down from about 29°C) |
| Overnight lows | Around 10–12°C |
| Primary hazards | Thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, gusty winds |
How Pretoria residents should prepare
Local authorities and emergency services typically advise people to take practical precautions when warnings are issued. Those in Pretoria should consider the following actions to reduce personal risk and minimise damage to property:
- Secure loose garden furniture, shade sails and other items that could be blown about by gusts.
- Park vehicles under cover where possible and avoid parking beneath large trees.
- Plan journeys with caution — do not drive through standing or flowing floodwater and obey road closures.
- Unplug non-essential electrical appliances during storms to reduce the risk from lightning-induced surges.
- Keep phone numbers for local emergency services and your municipality handy in case of fallen trees, flooding or power outages.
Residents should continue to monitor updated forecasts and impact-based warnings from SAWS and local disaster management officials as the system develops. If conditions worsen, follow instructions from your municipality and emergency services.
This weather change has the potential to affect outdoor events, local transport and routine activities over the coming days. Stay tuned to official channels for the latest information and avoid sharing unverified reports that can cause unnecessary alarm.
Summary: Expect a colder, wetter Pretoria from Friday with scattered thunderstorms, possible hail and gusty winds. Take sensible precautions and keep up to date with official forecasts.
