South Africa should prepare for another hot, mostly dry day on Friday, 30 October 2026, with temperatures reaching 39°C in Upington and several inland centres climbing into the mid-30s. The main safety concerns are prolonged heat in parts of the Eastern Cape and dangerous veld-fire conditions across most of the Northern Cape.
The South African Weather Service has issued an advisory for a heat wave in parts of the Chris Hani and Alfred Nzo district municipalities. The period of persistently high temperatures is expected to continue until Sunday, 1 November. A separate weather advisory affecting Cradock remains valid until 23:59 on Saturday, 31 October.
Heat requires simple precautions
People in the affected areas should limit unnecessary exposure to the hottest part of the day, keep indoor spaces as cool as possible and drink enough water. Heat can contribute to cramps, fainting and heatstroke, while sustained high temperatures may also disturb sleep and increase irritability.
Those working or exercising outdoors should take regular breaks in a shaded or cooler place. Anyone feeling faint, unusually weak or confused should move away from the heat and seek medical assistance. Children, older people and people with existing health conditions should be monitored closely during the advisory period.
Fire danger remains exceptionally high
SAWS has warned of extremely high veld-fire conditions over most of the Northern Cape. Hot, dry weather can allow fires to spread quickly, placing people, livestock, property and natural vegetation at risk.
- Do not leave braais, fires or hot coals unattended.
- Keep flammable material away from open flames and other heat sources.
- Report smoke or a fire as soon as it is noticed, without putting yourself in danger.
- Follow local emergency instructions if a fire threatens a community or property.
The fire warning is particularly important for rural areas, farms and communities near grassland or other dry vegetation. Residents should avoid burning waste or clearing land with fire while conditions remain dangerous.
Warm inland conditions, limited rain
Most of the country is expected to remain dry and hot. Klerksdorp, Bloemfontein and Kroonstad are forecast to reach 34°C, while Johannesburg is expected to peak at 30°C after starting at 11°C. Pretoria and Vereeniging should reach 31°C, with Soweto also reaching 30°C.
There is only a limited chance of showers and thundershowers in the areas highlighted in the forecast. A 30% chance is expected for Ermelo, Mbombela, Bethlehem and Newcastle. Mbombela is the most likely of those centres to receive showers or thundershowers, but the chance of rain does not mean that all areas will receive it.
| Location or area | Forecast information |
|---|---|
| Upington | 39°C |
| Klerksdorp, Bloemfontein and Kroonstad | 34°C |
| Johannesburg | 30°C, after a low of 11°C |
| Cape Town | Cloudy, with a high of 27°C |
| Chris Hani and Alfred Nzo | Heat wave expected to persist until 1 November |
| Most of the Northern Cape | Extremely high veld-fire conditions |
Cloudier conditions in Cape Town
Cape Town is expected to be cloudy, with a maximum of 27°C. The cooler coastal conditions there contrast with the hotter inland forecast, where clear or partly cloudy skies and limited rainfall will allow temperatures to rise sharply during the day.
People travelling across provinces should plan around the heat, carry drinking water and avoid leaving children or animals in parked vehicles. Conditions may differ significantly between the cool morning and the warmer afternoon, so light, practical clothing and sun protection will be useful. The most important message remains to stay hydrated, reduce exposure to extreme heat and treat any sign of fire seriously.
