When Will the Heatwave in South Africa End? Stay Informed and Cool Down Safely

South Africans are bracing for yet another week of scorching temperatures, with a persistent heatwave in South Africa gripping various parts of the country.

After a brief respite brought by some rainfall over the weekend in Gauteng, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that extremely hot conditions will continue to dominate across several provinces.

Heatwave Timeline and Affected Areas

According to SAWS, the heatwave in South Africa, characterized by persistently high temperatures, is expected to last until at least Wednesday in many areas. However, some regions may endure the oppressive heat until the end of the week.

• Until Wednesday:
  • Central, eastern, and north-western parts of the Northern Cape
  • Northern interior of the Eastern Cape
  • Free State
  • North West
  • Northern KwaZulu-Natal
  • Lowveld of Mpumalanga
  • Lowveld, western Bushveld, and the Valley of Limpopo
• Until Tuesday:
  • Namakwa District of the Northern Cape
  • Central Karoo
  • Northern parts of the West Coast District
  • Breede River Valley
  • Little Karoo in the Western Cape
• Until Friday:
  • Lowveld of Mpumalanga
  • Lowveld, western Bushveld, and Valley of Limpopo

In addition to the heat, extremely high fire danger conditions are forecast for:

• Central and western parts of the Free State
• Northern Cape
• Northern parts of the Eastern Cape
• Northwestern and extreme northeastern parts of the Western Cape

Heatwave Safety Tips: Stay Cool and Safe

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to serious health complications, so it is essential to take precautions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) offers the following tips to help you stay safe:

1. Stay Hydrated and Keep Your Body Cool
   • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
   • Avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks.
2. Cool Down Your Home
   • Use fans or air conditioning if available.
   • Keep curtains and blinds closed during peak sunlight hours.
3. Limit Outdoor Activities
   • Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day.
   • Stay in shaded areas when outdoors.
4. Protect Vulnerable Individuals
   • Check-in regularly with older adults, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
   • Ensure that infants, children, and pets are never left in parked vehicles.
5. Plan Activities Wisely
   • Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours. Early mornings between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. are typically cooler.
6. Seek Cooler Spaces
   • Spend a few hours in air-conditioned public spaces, such as malls or libraries, if your home cannot be adequately cooled.
7. Prepare for Emergencies
   • Have a first-aid kit on hand and be aware of signs of heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

By following these tips, you can minimize the impact of the heatwave in South Africa and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Stay Updated

For the latest updates on the heatwave in South Africa and weather conditions, follow the South African Weather Service on their official platforms. Staying informed is the first step toward staying safe during extreme weather events.

Related: SA Weather Alert: Heatwave and Fire Danger Warnings Issued for Several Provinces