Today's weather: Heatwave grips Western Cape as storms bring relief to Central SA

South Africa faces a split weather day today, with very hot and uncomfortable conditions dominating parts of the Western and Northern Cape, while large areas of the central and eastern interior can expect scattered rainfall and thundershowers.

According to the South African Weather Service, extremely hot conditions are expected over the interior of the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, the Cape Winelands, Central and Little Karoo, as well as eastern parts of the Overberg in the Western Cape.

Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach the mid to high 30s, creating uncomfortable conditions and increasing the risk of heat-related illness, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Elsewhere, much of the interior from the Northern Cape through the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo will experience partly cloudy skies with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers.

Rain chances are around 30% in many areas, with locally heavier showers possible in places. These storms may bring short-lived relief from the heat but could be accompanied by gusty winds and brief downpours.

The eastern parts of the Eastern Cape also have a 30% chance of showers, while KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal belt is expected to remain mostly dry. Large parts of the southern and western interior, including sections of the Karoo and Western Cape coastline, are expected to see no rainfall today.

Residents in heat-affected areas are urged to take precautions against extreme temperatures, while those in storm-prone regions should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions as the day unfolds.

IOL News