Johannesburg on high alert as cold, wet weather grips the city

Key facts

• Johannesburg Emergency Services are on high alert throughout the long weekend.
• Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas, especially informal settlements, are urged to stay away from rivers and streams.
• Motorists are advised to drive cautiously, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid flooded roads and low-lying bridges.
• EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi warned against leaving heating devices unattended to prevent fires.
• The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts a 30% chance of showers along the southwest coast and nearby interior, with conditions expected to improve.
• SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said warm temperatures are expected over the lowveld of Mpumalanga into Limpopo and parts of the central and western Western Cape.
• Cool temperatures are expected for the central parts of the country.
• The emergency contact number is 011-375-5911 for life-threatening emergencies.

City braces for cold and wet long weekend

Johannesburg Emergency Services are on stand-by this long weekend as cold and wet weather settles over the city. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast cooler temperatures, along with showers and thunderstorms for Saturday and Sunday. Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas, particularly informal settlements, are being urged to stay away from rivers and streams and keep a close watch on children.

Motorists warned of flooded roads and low-lying bridges

Motorists are advised to drive cautiously, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid flooded roads and low-lying bridges. The emergency services have cautioned that crossing flooded roads and bridges poses significant risks. Drivers are urged to be extra vigilant on the roads during this period.

Heating device safety emphasized to prevent fires

EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi warned residents to use heating devices carefully and never leave them unattended to prevent fires. “It will be extremely cold throughout this weekend in most parts of the city, so as and when we are using heating devices like heaters, paraffin stoves, let's not leave them unattended so that we can be able to prevent fire incidents which might occur over this long weekend,” Mulaudzi said.

Weather outlook: mixed conditions across South Africa

SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said there is a thirty percent chance of showers along the southwest coast and nearby interior, with conditions expected to improve. “Warm temperatures are expected over the lowveld of Mpumalanga into Limpopo, as well as parts of the central and the Western parts of the Western Cape province. Otherwise, cool temperatures are expected, especially for the central parts of the country,” Thobela said.

Emergency services on high alert throughout the weekend

Mulaudzi stated, “We are on high alert throughout this long weekend to ensure that we can be able to respond to any water-related or fire emergencies which might occur throughout this long weekend.” Residents are encouraged to call the emergency management services command and control center at 011-375-5911 for any life-threatening emergencies.

The bottom line

• Johannesburg Emergency Services remain on high alert for the duration of the long weekend.
• Residents in low-lying and informal settlements must avoid rivers and streams and monitor children closely.
• Motorists should drive cautiously, keep a safe following distance, and avoid flooded roads and low-lying bridges.
• Heating devices like heaters and paraffin stoves must never be left unattended to prevent fires.
• The SAWS forecasts a 30% chance of showers along the southwest coast, with warm temperatures in parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and Western Cape, and cool conditions in central areas.
• For life-threatening emergencies, residents should call 011-375-5911.