Pretoria - Pretoria residents should brace themselves for a cold Christmas weekend.
The warning came from the South African Weather Service, which advised those who had stayed in the city this holiday season to take out umbrellas, blankets and jerseys in preparation.
From today, according to the weatherman, the city would be experiencing chilly days through Christmas.
Forecaster Madimetja Thema said significant rainfall was expected from Saturday evening and was anticipated to continue through to Monday afternoon.
The chances of rain stood at 60%, he said.
There was also a high possibility of thunderstorms.
He said there was a 30% chance of rain from late this afternoon, with minimum temperatures of 23°C and a high of 34°C. The minimum temperature would be 20°C, and maximum 31°C.
Thema cautioned those planning outdoor parties in public places or any open spaces to have a shelter as a back-up, as Saturday’s 60% chance of rain would continue into Sunday morning.
“We can expect minimum temperatures of 16°C, and a maximum of 25°C on that day.”
People were warned to prepare well for the expected heavy rain.
“Those who are planning to be outside should put aside those outdoor shelters and keep warm,” said Thema.
Monday is also expected to be the same as Christmas Day, where meteorologists predict a 60% chance of thunderstorms in the morning. The rain was expected to lessen in the afternoon, and warmth levels stood at 15°C and 23°C.
The break would continue into Tuesday, when a 30% chance of rain in the afternoon was to be expected.
Thema said the cold front, proceeding eastwards and supported by an upper-air through, would allow for thundershowers and rain over most parts of the eastern half of the country on Saturday, with a significant increase in rainfall amounts in the extreme east, including the eastern parts of Mpumalanga and the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.