The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that multiple weather stations in the Namakwa District and the Western Cape have surpassed their previous maximum temperature records for March, driven by a persistent high-pressure system. The service reported that several stations recorded their highest maximum temperatures in at least 11 years during the current event, with values exceeding those observed during a similar extreme heat episode on 3 March 2015.
SAWS attributed the conditions to a strong, slow-moving high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere, which has established “extremely hot” weather over the region. However, the service clarified that a preliminary reading of 46.6°C from the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) station has been invalidated and removed from official records. This station, designed primarily for wind monitoring to support maritime activities, has its temperature sensor placed on a rooftop—a location that does not meet World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) standards for ambient air temperature measurement. Consequently, the data from this specific sensor is not representative, and the temperature function at the site has been disabled.
Meteorological models indicate the high-pressure system will begin to weaken and shift away from the region by the end of the week. The heat wave is expected to persist through Thursday, 12 March, particularly affecting the interior Namakwa District and Western Cape. Friday, 13 March, should mark the final day of heat wave conditions, with cooling initiating along the coast. A more pronounced temperature drop is forecast for Saturday, 14 March, as the system moves out, ushering in cooler, more seasonal weather.
Until the heat wave subsides, authorities advise the public to take precautions. Recommendations include maintaining hydration by drinking water regularly, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat (12:00–15:00), checking on vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and infants, and never leaving children or animals unattended in parked vehicles.
SAWS emphasised it continues to monitor the system closely and will provide updates as necessary. The public and relevant authorities are urged to rely solely on official warnings and advisories from the service and other recognised meteorological sources for the latest information.
