The South African Weather Services says KwaZulu-Natal residents should brace themselves for further downpours.
Forecaster Julius Mahlangu says they are expecting inclement weather conditions to persist until later this week.
However, beachgoers say the cold, rainy weather will not deter their fun in the water.
More scattered showers and downpours are set to persist for the next few days across KwaZulu-Natal.
But despite the tide warnings from the National Sea Rescue Institute, holidaymakers, who have already descended on the Zulu Kingdom, believe that the continued rainfall is added fun to their holiday.
Durban’s golden mile was littered with bathers amid the wet weather conditions.
“I’m from kwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga. We come here every December because it’s just the place to be. It’s excellent, rain or rain… I’m from Pretoria the weather is bit overcast but it’s lovely to be here. You might as well come to the beach and make the most of your time… There is no place like Durban in South Africa you go to Cape Town. You can’t find the goodness. Rain or no rain the water is warm.”
Weather forecaster Julius Mahlangu says there will be occasional downpours in the province. He says the weather is expected to clear up before the weekend.
“The weather we are experiencing at the moment is the result of the thing known as the upper trough – as it is exiting the country from today – we are expecting the condition to be little better. Although we are still expecting the rains to continue on and off throughout the day into tomorrow as well – across the province. We might still be experiencing some on and off rain for both today and tomorrow.”
Meanwhile the National Sea Rescue Institute has issued a warning over a spring tide that has started along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon says bathers are at risk of being swept out to sea by rip currents while swimming or wading in water along the beach front. Lambinon is appealing to bathers to be cautious when swimming.
“Please go to the beaches where there are life guards around obey the safety instructions of the life guards. The spring tides will last for the rest of the festive season. The next spring tide will be on the 2nd of January. We urge the public to be aware of this phenomenon. But also be cautious because the rip current is prevalence throughout the day in all the beaches or anywhere along the coastline.”
On the roads, emergency medical services spokesperson Robert Mckenzie has cautioned motorists to be careful with the anticipated increase in traffic volumes.
“It’s holiday season and we are expecting an increase in traffic flow. We would like to remind the motorists that they must be extremely cautious on the roads. They are reminded not to exceed a speed limit and maintain a distance between your vehicle and vehicle in front of you.”
Meanwhile, authorities have warned communities in low lying areas and near rivers and streams to be cautious as the poor weather continues.
