Heat cranks up across South Africa as scattered showers hover in the forecast

Summer reminds us who’s in charge

If it feels like summer has shifted into a higher gear, you’re not imagining it. South Africa is heading into a week of warm to blistering temperatures, with the South African Weather Service warning that much of the country will feel the heat especially inland.

While most regions can expect sunny to partly cloudy skies, there’s also a chance of isolated showers and thundershowers, particularly over central and eastern areas. It’s classic midsummer weather: sweat-inducing afternoons, warm nights, and the hope that a late-day storm might cool things down, even briefly.

Central and eastern cities turn up the heat

In Gauteng and surrounding provinces, the week starts warm and gets hotter. Pretoria is set to climb from a high of 31°C midweek to a sweltering 34°C by Thursday, with nighttime temperatures staying uncomfortably mild. Johannesburg trails slightly behind, hovering around 28°C before jumping to 33°C later in the week.

Further north, Polokwane holds steady at around 30°C during the day, while Bloemfontein braces for intense heat, peaking at 34°C on both Wednesday and Thursday, conditions locals know all too well at this time of year.

On social media, residents have already begun swapping survival tips, from early-morning errands to jokes about “melting pavements” and air conditioners working overtime.

Coastal relief, but only just

Coastal cities escape the worst of the heat, though it’s still warm by any standard. Durban sees a slight dip, from 29°C to 27°C, but humidity keeps nights sticky. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and East London cool a little as the week progresses, with highs dropping into the low-to-mid 20s.

Cape Town remains relatively stable, sitting at around 28°C during the day, with cooler evenings offering a bit of breathing room. Occasional coastal showers may roll in, but they’re unlikely to bring significant relief inland.

Interior regions feel the full force of summer

The real scorcher is expected in the western and northern interior. Upington once again earns its reputation as one of the country’s hottest spots, with temperatures hitting a fierce 40°C on Wednesday before easing slightly to 39°C on Thursday. Even nights remain warm, offering little chance for homes to cool down naturally.

These conditions are a reminder of why heat safety is taken seriously in these regions, particularly for outdoor workers, farmers and motorists travelling long distances.

What to expect and how to cope

The Weather Service is urging residents to stay hydrated, limit prolonged sun exposure, and take extra care during peak heat hours. While isolated showers and thundershowers could develop in parts of the central and eastern regions, they are expected to be patchy and short-lived.

In a country no stranger to summer extremes, this week’s forecast is less about surprises and more about preparation. Sunscreen, water bottles and patience will be essential, until the next cool change finally arrives.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com