South Africa faces scorching temperatures and possible showers this week

South Africans should prepare for warm to hot conditions this week, with isolated showers and thundershowers possible in parts of the country, according to the South African Weather Service.

Central and eastern regions

Partly cloudy skies and warm conditions will persist across much of the central and eastern parts of the country. Pretoria is expected to reach a high of 31°C on Wednesday, rising to 34°C on Thursday, with lows of 17–20°C. Johannesburg will see slightly cooler conditions midweek at 28°C, before warming up to 33°C on Thursday. Polokwane will remain steady with highs of 30°C and lows around 16–17°C. Bloemfontein will experience extreme heat, with highs of 34°C both Wednesday and Thursday.

Coastal cities

Coastal areas will see slightly milder conditions with occasional showers. Durban’s highs will drop from 29°C on Wednesday to 27°C on Thursday, while nights remain warm at 23–24°C. Port Elizabeth and East London will cool slightly, with Port Elizabeth reaching 26°C on Wednesday and 23°C on Thursday, while East London will see highs of 26°C and 24°C. Cape Town remains stable at 28°C, with mild nights around 17–19°C.

Northern and interior regions

The western and northern interiors will experience extreme heat. Upington remains the hottest, with a high of 40°C on Wednesday, slightly dropping to 39°C on Thursday, and nights remaining warm at 22–26°C.

Overall outlook

The SA Weather Service advises residents to stay hydrated and protect themselves from the sun, especially in the northern and interior regions. While most of the country will see sunny to partly cloudy conditions, isolated showers and thundershowers could bring temporary relief in central and eastern areas.

IOL