Mapaballo Borotho

- Rainy conditions are expected to continue into the Christmas period across South Africa.
- SAWS says afternoon showers are likely, influenced by a developing weak La Niña.
- Parts of the north-east, including Gauteng, can expect above-normal rainfall over the festive season.
As many South Africans prepare for Christmas Day, umbrellas may once again be part of the holiday essentials, as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) says consistent rain patterns are expected to continue into the Christmas period.
The weather service briefed the media in the capital, Pretoria, on Thursday morning on the weather conditions expected during the holiday season, as families plan travel, outdoor celebrations and Christmas lunches.
Forecasters say the rains are mostly expected in the afternoons, a pattern that has persisted over the past several weeks.
They add that the latest seasonal climate outlook for the current summer indicates a transition towards a weak La Niña state.
Weather forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela emphasised that this shift is expected to influence rainfall and temperature patterns across the country during the festive season.
La Niña typically brings above-normal summer rainfall to the north-eastern parts of South Africa, including Gauteng, meaning a greener but wetter Christmas for many.
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