A mix of severe thunderstorms, high temperatures, fire danger, and cloudy conditions is expected across parts of South Africa. The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over the Eastern Cape, excluding the extreme north-eastern parts of the province. This warning was issued due to the potential for localised damage to settlements and property, as well as disruptions to communication and power supply.
Extremely high fire danger conditions are forecast in parts of the Northern Cape, North West, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. These conditions are expected to be particularly prevalent in the Naledi Municipality in North West, parts of the Eastern Cape, and the King Cetshwayo District in KwaZulu-Natal. Residents in these areas are advised to take necessary precautions to prevent fires.
A heatwave is expected to persist in parts of north-western KwaZulu-Natal from October 11 to 13. This heatwave, characterised by persistently high temperatures, may lead to extremely uncomfortable conditions in parts of the southern Eastern Cape. The public is advised to stay hydrated and take regular breaks in shaded areas.
In Gauteng and inland provinces, Pretoria and Johannesburg are forecast to be partly cloudy, with maximum temperatures of 30°C in both cities. Vereeniging will reach a high of 31°C, while Mbombela is expected to record a maximum of 27°C. Polokwane and Mahikeng will both reach 30°C. Vryburg is forecast to reach 32°C, while Bloemfontein will have a maximum of 29°C.
Kimberley will be partly cloudy and windy, with isolated showers and thundershowers expected. Temperatures will range from 20°C to 31°C. Upington is also forecast to be partly cloudy and windy, with isolated showers and thundershowers. Temperatures are expected to range from 23°C to 34°C.
In the Western Cape, Cape Town will be cloudy, with a chance of light rain from the afternoon. Light to moderate north-westerly winds will become light south-westerly winds from the evening. Temperatures will range from 14°C to 19°C. George is also expected to be cloudy, with a chance of light rain from the afternoon. Winds will be light and variable, with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 21°C.
The UVB sunburn index is expected to be very high in Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the sun, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen. Weather conditions will continue to be monitored, and updates will be provided as necessary.
Key points
- A Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms over the Eastern Cape.
- A heatwave is expected in parts of KwaZulu-Natal from October 11 to 13.
- Extremely high fire danger conditions are forecast in parts of the Northern Cape, North West, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
