The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of heatwave conditions resulting in persistently high temperatures until Friday. SAWS says the conditions are expected over the eastern parts of both the North West and Free State, southern parts of Gauteng as well as Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo District Municipality of the Eastern Cape.

AVOID MIDDAY SUN

In a statement issued on yesterday, SAWS said, "Under these conditions a prolonged exposure to the midday sun poses health risks, hence it's advisable to seek shade and keep hydrated. Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over Northern Cape, western and northern parts of North-West, Western Bushveld of Limpopo, Amajuba Local Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal as well as Joe Gqabi District Municipality and Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality of Eastern Cape,'. Weather forecaster Luthando Masinini was quoted saying that the heatwave is the result of an atmospheric high-pressure system that raises the surface's temperature. "The heat wave is characterised by high temperatures that are five degrees above the region's average. As a result, temperatures have been quite high starting from yesterday and continuing over the weekend. However, there is a small chance that Sunday will see a minor reduction in temperature," Masinini said.