Residents of Cape Town are urged to be safe as temperatures soar.
Image: Dominic Naidoo
Residents of Cape Town and surrounding areas have been urged to take precautionary measures after the South African Weather Service issued a heatwave advisory expected to persist throughout the week.
According to the weather advisory, the heatwave will be in effect from Monday at 8am until Friday, March 13, 2026 at 8pm, with daytime temperatures forecast to reach the high 30s and even low 40 degrees Celsius in some areas of the Western Cape.
The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre warned that the prolonged heat could pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, people with existing health conditions and pets.
Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan said residents should take the advisory seriously and adjust their daily routines where possible.
“The SA Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the metropole and surrounding areas this week, between Monday and Friday,” Lategan said.
She added that the public should remain alert to the potential health impacts associated with extreme heat.
“The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre reminds the public to please be mindful of the forecast and the potential heat-related impacts, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and infirm, and pets,” she said.
Residents are encouraged to limit exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day and stay well hydrated.
“Where possible, stay out of direct sunlight, drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and wear a hat where possible, if you must be out and about. Also, wear light clothing and seek out shaded areas or areas with air-conditioning,” Lategan advised.
Authorities have also warned that the hot and dry conditions could increase the likelihood of veldfires across the region.
“Please exercise extreme caution around open flames,” Lategan said.
The public is urged to report any fires or emergencies to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre.
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