PRETORIA — Residents across the North West, and other provinces, are being urged to stay alert for heavy afternoon thunderstorms and possible localised flooding as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) signals a shift toward a weak La Niña for the 2025/26 summer season.

In its latest seasonal climate outlook covering December 2025 to April 2026, SAWS says the developing La Niña pattern typically increases the chances of above-normal summer rainfall over the north-eastern summer rainfall regions — including parts of North West and the Free State.  

While the expected rainfall could benefit water resources and agriculture, SAWS cautioned that it also raises the risk of localised flooding, particularly in flood-prone areas, informal settlements and places with poor drainage infrastructure.  

On temperatures, SAWS forecasts above-normal minimum temperatures over most of the country, while daytime maximum temperatures may be below-normal over north-eastern regions due to increased cloud cover and rainfall — a pattern that could also influence conditions over parts of North West during wetter spells.  

Festive season outlook

Looking ahead to Christmas and the New Year period, SAWS expects partly cloudy and warm-to-cool conditions, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers mainly over central and eastern parts of South Africa. Thunderstorms are expected largely in the afternoons and evenings and may at times bring heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds.  

SAWS advised residents and travellers to treat warnings seriously, avoid driving through flooded roads, and keep up with official updates via credible platforms.  

-The VIP Team 

-SAWS