The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of extremely high fire danger conditions across parts of four provinces on Tuesday, as scorching temperatures of up to 40°C are expected in parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
According to SAWS, very hot to extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions are expected in the Namakwa District Municipality in the Northern Cape and the interior of the Western Cape, where maximum temperatures could reach between 36°C and 40°C.
While no impact-based severe weather warnings have been issued, SAWS has flagged extremely high fire danger conditions across most parts of the Northern Cape, southern North West, central and western Free State, and parts of the north-western Western Cape.
Northern Cape and Western Cape brace for extreme heat
The Northern Cape is expected to experience fine and hot to very hot conditions, with morning fog along the coast and partly cloudy skies developing in the north-eastern parts.
Cooler conditions are forecast along the northern coast, with moderate to fresh southerly winds.
In the Western Cape, the west will be partly cloudy in the morning and evening, while the rest of the province will experience fine, warm to hot weather.
Temperatures will be particularly high over the central and northern interior, where very hot conditions are forecast.
The province’s UVB sunburn index is expected to be very high.
Extremely high fire danger across four provinces
SAWS has issued fire danger warnings for most of the Northern Cape, southern North West, central and western Free State, and north-western parts of the Western Cape.
The warnings come as hot and dry conditions are expected across several inland areas.
North West will experience fine and hot weather, becoming partly cloudy during the afternoon.
The Free State will also experience fine and warm to hot conditions, with partly cloudy skies developing over central and eastern areas later in the day.
Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga to experience warm to hot conditions
Gauteng residents can expect partly cloudy and warm conditions throughout Tuesday, with a high UVB sunburn index.
In Mpumalanga, morning fog patches are forecast over the Highveld and along the escarpment, followed by partly cloudy and warm conditions. Hot temperatures are expected in parts of the Lowveld.
Limpopo will experience partly cloudy and warm to hot weather.
Hot conditions expected in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal
The western half of the Eastern Cape will experience fine and hot to very hot conditions, although coastal areas will remain warm.
In the eastern half, morning fog is expected south of the escarpment, followed by fine and warm to hot weather.
KwaZulu-Natal will experience morning fog patches over the interior, followed by partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions. Southern parts of the province are expected to become fine during the afternoon.
The province’s UVB sunburn index is forecast to reach extreme levels.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za