The heat is forecasted to persist until Friday.
Image: Pexels
South Africans can expect extreme heat in the west and milder conditions elsewhere on Wednesday, as a heatwave continues to affect parts of the country, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
SAWS has issued a heatwave advisory for the Western Cape and Northern Cape, valid until March 13, warning that temperatures in some areas will remain very hot to extremely hot.
Pretoria: 26°C / 13°C
Johannesburg: 24°C / 12°C
Cape Town: 40°C / 26°C
Durban: 26°C / 19°C
Bloemfontein: 28°C / 12°C
Polokwane: 22°C / 14°C
Upington: 34°C / 20°C
Port Elizabeth: 27°C / 18°C
East London: 28°C / 18°C
SAWS said fine conditions will persist in the western parts of the country, where temperatures will remain hot to very hot, with extremely hot conditions in the far western areas.
Cape Town is expected to reach around 40°C, making it one of the hottest days of the week for the city, while Upington will see highs of around 34°C.
In contrast, much of the eastern half of South Africa will see partly cloudy, windy and cooler conditions, with isolated afternoon thundershowers expected in the far eastern areas, becoming more scattered later in the week.
Cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria will remain relatively mild, with highs in the mid-20s, while Durban and other coastal areas will see temperatures in the mid- to high-20s.
SAWS has advised residents in heat-affected areas to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak afternoon heat, and keep an eye on vulnerable people such as the elderly and young children.
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