SA Heatwave Continues: Elevated Temperatures and Fire Risk Persist Until Friday

Heatwave to Persist Across Multiple Provinces

South Africans in several provinces are facing continued scorching temperatures this week, as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warns that the current heatwave is set to persist until Friday. Residents of the North West, most of the Free State, southern Gauteng, and the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape are among those most affected by the prolonged heat.

Provinces Affected by Elevated Temperatures

The heatwave is bringing persistently high temperatures to key regions. North West and the Free State, excluding some south-western areas, will remain under elevated heat through Friday. In southern Gauteng and north-eastern Northern Cape, the heatwave will continue to drive temperatures upwards, with varying degrees of cloud cover as the days progress.

Gauteng is forecast to be partly cloudy, with warm to hot conditions and a very high ultraviolet (UVB) sunburn index, making sunburn a notable risk. North West will remain fine and hot to very hot, with the eastern parts expected to become partly cloudy later in the day. Similar patterns are forecast for the Free State, where fine, hot to very hot weather will lead into increased afternoon cloud, especially in the east.

Extremely High Fire Danger in Multiple Regions

SAWS has issued warnings for extremely high fire danger conditions across several areas, as hot and dry weather combines with vulnerable vegetation to elevate the risk of veld fires.

• Northern Cape
• Eastern parts of North West
• Free State
• North-eastern parts of the Western Cape
• South-Western Bushveld in Limpopo
• Specific local municipalities in the Eastern Cape, including Dr Beyers Naudé, Inxuba Yethemba, and Walter Sisulu

Authorities continue to urge caution in the use of open flames and urge residents to remain alert for any signs of veld fires.

Provincial Weather Highlights

Limpopo and Mpumalanga

Limpopo will be fine and hot to very hot, with areas in the south-west expecting some cloudiness in the afternoon. Mpumalanga faces fog patches initially, clearing to fine and warm to hot weather, with partly cloudy conditions expected in the extreme west later.

Northern and Western Cape

Northern Cape residents can expect a cloudy morning along the coast and adjacent interior marked by fog patches, followed by fine and hot to very hot conditions inland, though some western locales will remain warm. The province will also experience fresh to strong south to south-easterly winds along the coast.

In the Western Cape, partly cloudy to cloudy and cool to warm weather is expected in the extreme south-west, extending along the south coast and interior by afternoon. Elsewhere, conditions will be fine and hot, with a high UVB index reported.

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape will experience mostly fine, warm to hot conditions, becoming very hot in some parts of the north-western portion. Clouds are set to increase over the southern areas later in the day, and the eastern half of the province may see partly cloudy skies south of the escarpment by afternoon.

KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal will remain fine and warm, with cloudiness developing in the southern parts during the afternoon. Moderate to fresh northerly and north-easterly winds will dominate the coast, later shifting to south-westerly in the south and spreading towards Mtunzini by evening. A continued extreme UVB sunburn risk means outdoor activities may carry a heightened risk of sunburn.

SAWS Urges Vigilance and Safety Measures

Despite the elevated temperatures and fire danger, no impact-based severe weather warnings have been issued for Wednesday. However, SAWS strongly encourages residents to stay hydrated, avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight, and exercise vigilance when using open flames in areas prone to high fire danger.

“Residents in heatwave-affected areas are advised to remain hydrated, limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and exercise caution when using open flames in areas experiencing elevated fire danger.”

The ongoing heatwave and the associated risks highlight the need for preparedness and mindfulness, especially in regions where weather conditions can change rapidly and elevate both health and fire safety concerns.

General Guidance During Heatwaves

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
• Minimise outdoor activities during peak temperature periods.
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing due to high UVB indices.
• Be cautious with open flames or activities that may spark fires, especially in areas with dry vegetation.

As conditions remain unstable, following weather service updates and adhering to safety recommendations can help reduce health and environmental risks during this prolonged heatwave.