Back to School, Watching the Skies: Rain, Flood Risks and Heat Loom as SA Classrooms Reopen

The school bell is ringing again this week, but for many South African families, the return to classrooms comes with one eye firmly on the sky.

As pupils head back on Wednesday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has flagged a mix of heavy rain, possible flooding and intense heat across different parts of the country a reminder that summer is far from done with us yet.

Rain-soaked mornings in the north and east

Parents in Mpumalanga and Limpopo are being urged to stay alert as widespread showers and thundershowers are expected from Tuesday into Wednesday. According to SAWS, the volume of rain could raise the risk of localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas and communities near rivers.

In the far north-eastern regions, cloudy conditions with persistent rain are expected to linger through Thursday. For families used to dry school runs, this could mean waterlogged roads, delayed taxis and wet uniforms before the first lesson even starts.

Central regions brace for scattered showers

The central interior won’t escape the unsettled weather either. While conditions will range from cool to warm, isolated to scattered showers are forecast, the kind that arrive just in time to complicate morning drop-offs and after-school plans.

There’s also a chance of rain along the south-west coast, while much of the western interior remains dry, but uncomfortably hot.

Extreme heat raises concerns in the Northern Cape

Perhaps the biggest concern is the scorching heat expected in parts of the Northern Cape. Areas around Upington are forecast to exceed 40°C, creating challenging conditions for learners and educators, particularly at schools without air-conditioning or adequate shade.

On social media, parents have already begun sharing worries about children sitting in overheated classrooms, with calls for flexible school schedules and extra water breaks during peak heat.

What the weather looks like during the school run

• Johannesburg: Cooler on Wednesday at 26°C, warming to 30°C on Thursday

• Pretoria: Mild at 28°C on Wednesday, rising to 32°C

• Cape Town: Warm and dry at 28°C on Wednesday, cooling sharply by Thursday

• Durban: Hot and humid at 31°C, easing on Thursday

• Bloemfontein: Staying hot at around 34°C

• Polokwane: Mild conditions warming by Thursday

• Upington: Extreme heat continues, easing slightly later in the week

What parents and schools can do

SAWS is advising parents to plan for extra travel time, keep children well hydrated, and watch for weather-related school announcements, especially in provinces facing heavy rain or extreme heat.

As classrooms reopen, this week is shaping up to be a test of flexibility and preparedness. For many families, the back-to-school routine won’t just be about stationery and timetables, but about navigating South Africa’s unpredictable summer weather safely.

{Source: IOL}

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