Heavy rain warning for New Year’s Eve

Heavy rainfall will spoil the New Year’s Eve celebrations, according to Met Services. The latest weather forecast bulletin issued on Wednesday afternoon mentions heavy rain warning as from mid-day Thursday 31 December 2015 until noon Saturday 2 January 2016. The poor weather is down to active clouds associated with an instability zone which are gradually approaching from the North West and will influence the local weather as from Thursday 31 December. The weather will be cloudy at first with scattered showers becoming overcast in the evening with widespread showers. The showers will be heavy at times with thunderstorms. The showery and thundery weather will persist until Saturday 2 January 2016. A meteorological officer explains that due to these weather conditions, the sea will be rough with high waves at times. Gust of 60 km/h to 70 km/h could be felt. Precautionary measures should be taken at sea. There are risks of water accumulation mainly during the heavy showers in places and also overflowing of river banks and other water courses. It is therefore advised to avoid these places. Visibility will be greatly reduced mainly due to fog. Road users are advised to be very cautious. In case of thunderstorms, the public is advised to remain in safe places and avoid open areas, venturing out at sea and sheltering under trees.