Heat, storms and a warning to watch the skies: South Africa’s week ahead

Heat, storms and a warning to watch the skies: South Africa’s week ahead

If it feels like summer is refusing to ease off, you’re not imagining it. South Africa is heading into a week of hot temperatures, sticky nights and scattered summer storms, the kind of weather that has become all too familiar for many parts of the country.

According to the South African Weather Service, the days ahead will bring a mix of heat and rainfall, with some regions enjoying brief relief from thundershowers while others bake under intense inland temperatures.

Warm days and afternoon storms in the east and centre

In the eastern and central parts of the country, residents can expect partly cloudy skies punctuated by isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers.

Pretoria is set for mild-to-warm conditions, with daytime temperatures hovering around 24°C by Wednesday and cooler overnight lows of about 16–17°C. Johannesburg will stay firmly in summer mode, reaching highs of 25–26°C.

Further north, Polokwane will be slightly cooler, with maximum temperatures between 21°C and 23°C a welcome break for residents used to hotter spells.

These afternoon storms, while often brief, can arrive suddenly and bring heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds.

Coastal cities feel the summer heat

Along the coast, conditions are leaning more towards hot and humid.

Cape Town is in for a warm start to the week, with temperatures climbing to around 28°C on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Durban will experience classic coastal summer weather, with highs between 24°C and 26°C and warm, muggy nights hovering around 20°C.

Port Elizabeth and East London can expect temperatures in the mid-20s, cooling slightly as the week progresses but remaining comfortable for beachgoers and commuters alike.

Scorching conditions inland

It’s the interior and northern regions that will feel the most intense heat.

Upington is forecast to hit a blistering 37°C on Tuesday and Wednesday, conditions that demand extra caution, especially for those working outdoors. Bloemfontein won’t be far behind, with temperatures sitting around 30–31°C for much of the week.

These extreme inland temperatures are a stark reminder of how quickly heat stress can become a risk during South African summers.

Rainfall warning in Limpopo

While many areas are dealing with heat, parts of Limpopo are facing the opposite threat.

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive rainfall in the Musina and Collins Chabane municipalities. Residents have been urged to remain alert, as heavy rain can lead to flooding, dangerous driving conditions and damage to infrastructure.

Given recent flooding incidents in the province, the warning has been taken seriously, with local communities closely monitoring weather updates.

What to keep in mind this week

The days ahead will demand a bit of weather awareness. Stay hydrated, limit time in direct sun during peak heat, and keep an eye on local forecasts, especially in areas prone to sudden storms or heavy rain.

With heat in the interior and rainfall risks in the north, this week’s weather is a reminder of how quickly conditions can shift across the country.

{Source: IOL}

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