Christmas indoors? Festive weather brings rain, thunder and no chill to Limpopo
Limpopo MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, has urged residents across the province to remain vigilant as inclement weather is expected to wreak havoc in many areas.
The call comes as South Africa has experienced persistent heavy rainfall since the start of the festive season.
Makamu said heightened alertness was critical following an Impact-Based Warning: Level 4 for severe thunderstorms issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
The warning came into effect on Thursday, December 18, 2025, and is expected to continue until Saturday, December 20, 2025.
“This warning indicates a high likelihood of severe weather with significant impacts,” Makamu said.
He said the affected districts and municipalities include Bela-Bela, Elias Motsoaledi, Ephraim Mogale, Fetakgomo Tubatse, Lepelle-Nkumpi, Lephalale, Makhuduthamaga, Maruleng, Modimolle–Mookgophong, Mogalakwena and Thabazimbi.
He urged residents in the areas to take the warning extremely seriously.
“Since the beginning of the rainy season in October, the province has regrettably recorded at least three fatalities due to heavy downpours. One lost life is one too many,” Makamu said.
He urged communities to avoid unnecessary travel, low-water bridges, flooded areas and roads that are prone to flooding.
According to SAWS, scattered showers and thunderstorms have already been observed, with storms expected to persist into the evening and possibly become severe.
Expected weather impacts include heavy downpours leading to flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, overflowing rivers and submerged bridges, strong and damaging winds, and large amounts of small hail, particularly in densely populated areas.
Makamu said these conditions could result in road and bridge closures, damage or loss of infrastructure – including homes in formal and informal settlements – damage to vehicles, property, livelihoods and livestock, and an increased risk to life and safety, especially in flood-prone communities.
“The provincial and local disaster management teams, together with emergency services, municipalities and sector departments, remain on high alert and fully operational to respond to incidents as they arise,” he said.
Makamu added that the Summer Season Disaster Management Contingency Plan is in place to ensure coordinated preparedness, timely response and effective management of disasters associated with seasonal hazards, particularly severe weather events.
The plan aims to minimise loss of life, reduce damage to property and infrastructure, and enhance community safety and resilience, he said.
Makamu also called on communities, traditional leaders, ward councillors and community structures to help share the warning widely and to support vulnerable households, particularly the elderly, children and people with disabilities.
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