Up to 43°C: Heatwave to hit NINE parts of SA on Thursday

Another heatwave of epic proportions is passing through parts of SA this week, with temps reaching up to 43°C. Here’s where…

Well, this is horrible. Although two provinces have been identified as heatwave hot-spots, the misery spreads even further for those seeking respite from the sun. Temperatures could get as high as 43°C in some places, and warnings have been issued by the authorities.

LATEST SA HEATWAVE UPDATES FOR THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER

Limpopo and Mpumalanga can’t escape these stifling conditions, and will be subject to heatwave extremes until Friday afternoon. However, on Thursday 13 October, two other provinces will get caught-up in the soaring temperatures.

A statement has been issued by the SA Weather Service this morning. They are advising citizens to keep hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and avoid any activities that place physical demands upon the body. Here’s what they had to say:

“A heatwave with consistently high temperatures is expected in the lowvelds of both Mpumalanga AND Limpopo, until Friday 14 October. Citizens are reminded to stay hydrated with water, wear loose-fitting clothes, avoid strenuous exercise, and eat light meals.” | SAWS statement

ALSO READ: Weird weather: Forcaster weighs in on Durban’s ‘strange’ weather

TEMPERATURES RISING: WHERE ARE THE HOTTEST PLACES IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY?

As mentioned previously, the heatwave warning applies only to provinces which are struggling with PROLONGED bouts of high temperatures. However, some regions are experiencing a ’24-hour burst’ of extremely hot weather on Thursday – and there are NINE hot-spots to take note of:

• Musina, near the border with Zimbabwe, is set to push 40°C on Thursday.
• The highest hot-spot in Mpumalanga resides near Bushbuckridge, with 37°C projected by forecasters.
• However, the hot weather isn’t just confined to our heatwave areas. KZN and the Eastern Cape will also struggle today.
• Looking at the highs in KZN, Eshowe, Ngolotshe, and Richmond will hover around the 40°C mark.
• Meanwhile, Ventusky has given out a sweltering 41°C for Grahamstown, Gompo Park, and Kirkwood in the Eastern Cape.
• The hottest spot in South Africa today is likely to be Komkhulu, Eastern Cape – with highs of 43°C predicted.

By: Tom Head