KZN heatwave enters final day as storm risks spread
PRETORIA — A heatwave affecting northwestern KwaZulu-Natal is expected to end on Tuesday, while possible severe thunderstorms threaten parts of the Eastern Cape, Free State and North West. The South African Weather Service has urged residents to follow official updates as forecasts and potential impacts become clearer.
In an outlook published by SAnews on Monday, SAWS said persistently high temperatures were expected over northwestern KwaZulu-Natal from 11 to 13 October. It separately warned of extremely uncomfortable conditions over southern parts of the Eastern Cape. The advisory does not describe a nationwide heatwave or provide temperature readings for individual towns.
Tuesday’s forecast includes isolated to scattered afternoon thunderstorms over central and western parts of South Africa. Severe thunderstorms are possible in the Eastern Cape, Free State and southern North West, extending the areas of concern beyond Monday’s outlook, which identified the Eastern Cape and southern Free State.
SAWS linked the week’s conditions to a surface trough over the central and western interior and a surface high over the east. Disturbances in the upper atmosphere could also contribute to isolated or scattered thunderstorms across central and eastern areas. The outlook indicates the possibility of severe storms, rather than confirming that every locality in the named provinces will be affected.
The expected end of the heatwave describes the forecast period for persistently high temperatures; the report does not specify when conditions will ease in each affected town. Residents planning travel or outdoor activities should therefore check the latest local forecast rather than rely solely on the broader provincial outlook.
SAWS urged the public and stakeholders to monitor its official forecasts and warnings, which will be updated as the likelihood and severity of impacts become clearer. It also cautioned against circulating weather information from unauthorised or unverified sources. Updates are available through the SAWS website and its official media channels.
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