Record-breaking temperatures have been confirmed across parts of South Africa’s Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces, with several weather stations reporting their highest March temperatures in at least eleven years. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) attributes the extreme heat to a persistent, slow-moving high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.
While preliminary data indicates widespread record highs, the SAWS has removed a temperature reading of 46.6°C recorded at the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) from official records. The agency explained that the RCYC station is designed primarily for wind monitoring and its rooftop location does not meet World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) standards for accurate temperature measurement. The sensor has been disabled.
The heatwave initially impacted the western parts of the Namakwa District and the western and southwestern areas of the Western Cape, according to advisories issued earlier this week. These scorching conditions are now extending into the Little Karoo, Central Karoo, and western Garden Route districts.
Current forecasts suggest the high-pressure system will commence to weaken and move away from the region towards the complete of the week. Thursday, March 12th, will remain intensely hot, particularly in the Namakwa District and the interior of the Western Cape. Friday, March 13th, is expected to be the final day of heatwave conditions, with a gradual cooling trend beginning along the coast. By Saturday, March 14th, temperatures are anticipated to drop significantly as the system departs, bringing more seasonal conditions.
The SAWS is urging the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Recommendations include staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity between 12h00 and 15h00, regularly checking on vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and infants, and never leaving children or animals unattended in parked vehicles.
The SAWS stated it will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available. Residents and authorities are encouraged to rely on official weather warnings and advisories from trusted sources.
According to a 10-day forecast for Namakwa District Municipality, temperatures will remain high through the weekend, peaking at 36°C on Friday, March 13th, before a slight decrease to 32°C on Monday, March 16th. Light rain is predicted for Monday.
