Today’s Weather Alert

As South Africa heads into the peak of the summer season, extreme weather conditions continue to impact several provinces. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a heatwave warning, forecasting persistently high temperatures until Friday, 22 March 2025. Affected regions include parts of the Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, where scorching temperatures are expected to make daily activities increasingly challenging.

Heatwave Warning: What to Expect

According to SAWS, extremely hot conditions will be prevalent in:
✅ Northern Cape – Particularly in the Hantam local municipality, where temperatures will soar well above normal.
✅ Western Cape – The Cederberg, Breede River Valley, Langeberg, Laingsburg, Prince Albert, Oudtshoorn, and Hessequa local municipalities will experience extreme heat.
✅ Eastern Cape – The Sarah Baartman district municipality, Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Amatole, Buffalo City Metro, and OR Tambo district municipalities will experience uncomfortably high temperatures.

The Eastern Cape’s Alfred Nzo district municipality will be hit hardest, with persistently high temperatures creating dangerous conditions.

How Hot Will It Get?

The heatwave is expected to push temperatures past 40°C in some areas, with many inland regions seeing highs in the mid-to-upper 30s. Coastal areas will experience slightly lower temperatures but will still be affected by extreme humidity, increasing the perceived heat index.

Fire Danger Warnings

🔥 SAWS has also warned of extremely high fire danger conditions in several parts of the country, including:

Hantam local municipality (Northern Cape)
Cederberg, Breede River Valley, Langeberg, Laingsburg, Prince Albert, Oudtshoorn, and Hessequa (Western Cape)
Koukamma, Kouga, Sundays River Valley, Blue Crane Route, Dr. Beyers Naude, and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (Eastern Cape)

Dry conditions and strong winds increase the risk of wildfires, which can spread rapidly. Authorities urge residents to avoid open flames and report any signs of fire immediately.

Weather Forecast for Other Provinces

While the heatwave will mainly affect the Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, the rest of the country will experience varying weather conditions:

Gauteng – Partly cloudy, cool with isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers.
Mpumalanga & Limpopo – Partly cloudy and warm, with isolated showers expected.
North West & Free State – Warm conditions with isolated thundershowers in central and eastern parts.
KwaZulu-Natal – Partly cloudy with isolated showers and rain in the north-eastern parts.
Western Cape & Eastern Cape (Western half) – Scattered showers and thundershowers in some areas, especially along the coast.

How to Stay Safe During a Heatwave

🌡️ Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
🏠 Stay Indoors – If possible, limit outdoor activities between 11 AM and 4 PM, when temperatures are at their peak.
🧴 Apply Sunscreen – The UVB Sunburn Index is HIGH, so sunscreen is essential for any outdoor exposure.
🌀 Use Fans & Air Conditioning – If available, use fans or air conditioners to stay cool.
👕 Wear Light Clothing – Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing helps to keep your body temperature regulated.

Looking Ahead: When Will It Cool Down?

The heatwave is expected to last until Friday, with cooler temperatures arriving over the weekend, particularly in coastal areas. However, inland regions may continue to experience above-average temperatures into early next week.

As South Africa battles extreme weather conditions, it is crucial to stay informed, take precautions, and look out for vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and pets. If you’re in an affected area, limit exposure to direct sunlight, stay hydrated, and be mindful of fire hazards.

For daily weather updates, stay tuned to SAWS or visit local news websites for the latest forecasts. Stay safe and take the necessary precautions to beat the heat!