South Africa Braces for Another Day of Searing Temperatures
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a weather warning for Thursday, 23 October 2025, as blistering heat, dry winds, and fire danger alerts grip multiple provinces. Much of the country will experience intense heat under very high UV conditions, raising the risk of runaway veld fires across the Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The heatwave will continue throughout the day, intensifying across inland and coastal regions where humidity remains high. Residents are urged to drink plenty of water, stay indoors during the hottest hours, and handle open flames with extreme caution.
Fire Danger Warnings in Place
SAWS has issued very high fire danger ratings for the central and southeastern parts of the Northern Cape, the northeastern regions of the Western Cape, and the central interior of the Eastern Cape. These dry and windy areas face a serious threat of veld fires spreading rapidly.
Low humidity and strong winds are creating the perfect conditions for fires to ignite and spread uncontrollably, SAWS warned. Communities are advised to avoid open burning, properly dispose of cigarette butts, and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately to local authorities.
Heat and Humidity Advisories
Hot and humid weather will make for uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions across several regions, including KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline, the Amathole and OR Tambo districts in the Eastern Cape, and parts of the Lowveld interior.
SAWS urges residents to stay cool by staying indoors during the peak of the day, wearing light clothing, and drinking sufficient fluids. Children, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions are especially vulnerable and should take extra care to avoid heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Provincial Weather Forecast for Thursday, 23 October
Gauteng:
Warm and pleasant conditions are expected with temperatures between 26°C and 30°C. The UVB sunburn index is very high, so residents should apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and use hats when outdoors.
Mpumalanga:
Fine and cool to warm conditions are forecast, becoming hot over the Lowveld. Clear skies will dominate, and the heat may persist into the evening.
Limpopo:
Fine and warm, turning hot over the Lowveld and Western Bushveld. Interior towns can expect a dry, sunny day with strong sunlight exposure.
North West:
Fine and warm to hot conditions are expected, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s. Winds may increase later in the day, heightening the risk of veld fires.
Free State:
Fine and warm to hot with no rainfall expected. Farmers are urged to remain alert as fire danger remains high, especially in dry grasslands.
Northern Cape:
Morning fog patches will clear along the coast, giving way to fine and hot conditions across most areas. The western interior will become partly cloudy and windy later, with isolated afternoon thunderstorms possible.
Western Cape:
Morning fog along the west and southwest coasts will clear to fine and warm conditions. The afternoon will bring partial cloud cover and scattered thunderstorms in the northeast, where temperatures will climb to extremely hot levels. The UVB index remains very high, making sun protection essential.
Eastern Cape (western half):
Fine to partly cloudy and hot to very hot, becoming partly cloudy by evening with scattered showers and thundershowers expected in the west. Some areas may reach up to 38°C.
Eastern Cape (eastern half):
Fine, hot to very hot, and dry throughout the day. Interior towns are urged to watch for signs of heat stress and dehydration.
KwaZulu-Natal:
Fine and warm to hot conditions will dominate, particularly along the coastal belt and interior valleys. The UVB sunburn index is very high, and residents should take precautions to protect themselves from prolonged sun exposure.
Severe Heat Safety and Health Advice
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is strongest
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine
- Never leave children or pets inside vehicles
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wide-brimmed hats
- Ensure pets have access to shade and clean water
Weekend Warning Ahead
Thursday will likely be one of the hottest days of the week, and forecasters expect the heat to linger into the weekend for parts of the Northern and Eastern Cape before easing early next week. Most interior provinces will continue to experience dry conditions with no significant rainfall in sight, putting further strain on already drought-stressed regions.
Authorities and emergency teams remain on high alert as South Africa endures yet another bout of extreme heat and heightened fire danger.
