Free State Weather: THUNDERSHOWERS and rain TODAY

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has released the weather forecast for the Free State today, 20 March, and it looks like the province is in for a wet and cloudy day with plenty of thundershowers.

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WEATHER FORECAST FOR FREE STATE

Here is the weather forecast for your area:

SAFETY WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN

Arrive Alive has issued some tips when driving in severe weather.

• To keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you, increase the three-second rule to five-six seconds.
• Slow down if it is raining and the roads are wet. Remove your foot from the accelerator and gradually reduce your speed.
• Never apply the brakes abruptly as this may cause the car to skid.
• Slow down and be prepared to move to the left shoulder if an oncoming vehicle is overtaking from the opposite direction and will not be able to do so safely.
• Only move towards the shoulder if you can see 150m ahead of you clearly. Keep in mind that pedestrians may be walking on the shoulder to avoid mud on the road’s surface.

ALSO READ: Free State Dept of Education welcomes new MEC

• Be cautious of oil patches. Do not slam on the brakes; instead, steer through. Patches will be small in most cases.
• Before taking a bend, especially a sharp bend, always shift into a lower gear. As you approach the bend, your speed should be at its slowest, and both hands should be on the steering wheel. When driving around a bend, this slow in/fast out technique gives you the most control.
• Double your normal following distance from 3 seconds to 6 seconds to increase your space cushion.
• Switch on your headlights.
• Other vehicles in the rear and in blind spots should be avoided because they are difficult to see through rain-splattered windows.

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