WEATHER: Extreme mid-week heat possible in Gauteng

Gauteng residents could face a sharp rise in temperatures this week, with hot conditions expected to replace Monday’s cloudy and relatively cool weather.

The province is heading for a warmer midweek, with temperatures expected to climb above 30°C in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Gauteng weather forecasts temperatures of around 34°C in Johannesburg and 36°C in Pretoria on Wednesday.

Heat set to build towards the end of the week

Thursday could bring similar heat, with Pretoria reaching 36°C.

The warmer conditions follow a cooler start to the week, when Johannesburg is expected to reach around 21°C and Pretoria 22°C on Monday.

The heat could make outdoor activities uncomfortable, particularly during the afternoon when temperatures reach their highest levels.

Residents should drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and avoid spending long periods in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

Showers and thunderstorms could bring relief

The warmer weather is not expected to last throughout the week.

Showers and thunderstorms could develop over Gauteng from Friday, with a further chance of rain over the weekend.

Saturday and Sunday could bring cooler conditions as cloud cover and rainfall increase across the province.

Heat advisory for parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape

Gauteng is not the only area expecting high temperatures this week.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an advisory for very hot to extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions.

Maximum temperatures of between 36°C and 40°C expected in places over the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the interior of the Western Cape.

Residents in these areas should take precautions against prolonged exposure to the heat, particularly those working outdoors.