The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a heatwave alert for the country’s western and south‑western regions, warning that temperatures could surge to between 36°C and 42°C from Monday as a strong high‑pressure system settles over the area.
The system, described as slow‑moving and intense, will drive sinking air that warms as it descends – pushing surface temperatures well above seasonal norms.
SAWS said the hottest conditions are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday across the western parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
“The heatwave will spread to parts of the Central and Little Karoo on Tuesday,” SAWS said.
Offshore winds along the west coast are expected to worsen the heat, particularly in coastal areas and the adjacent interior of the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
SAWS urged residents to take precautions against dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, noting that prolonged exposure to extreme heat poses serious health risks.
JN/APA