SAWS Issues Fire Danger Warning as Springbok Hits 35°C on Thursday
- The South African Weather Service issued fire danger warnings for parts of the Northern Cape on Thursday, 29 October
- Extremely high veld fire danger conditions were recorded over the Kamiesberg and Matzikama regions
- KwaZulu-Natal remained the only province with a chance of rain, as most of South Africa baked under dry, clear skies
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South Africa's weather service put parts of the country on alert on Thursday, 29 October. Temperatures soared, and fire conditions turned dangerous across several regions.
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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) confirmed one weather warning in force for the day, with Cradock under a weather advisory running from midday through to midnight. SAWS also issued fire danger warnings affecting parts of the Northern Cape, with extremely high veld fire danger conditions recorded over the Kamiesberg and Matzikama areas.
Most of the country experienced a hot, dry and mostly clear Thursday. Springbok recorded the highest temperature at 35°C, while De Aar followed closely at 34°C. SAWS indicated that these conditions created the kind of dry heat that rapidly escalates fire risk, particularly where vegetation is sparse and winds pick up. African Insider reported that a severe weather warning escalated to Level 4 in South Africa as conditions intensified across the country.
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While most provinces stayed bone dry, KwaZulu-Natal offered the only exception. Richards Bay and Newcastle each carried a 30% chance of slight rain on Thursday, providing a modest but notable contrast to the dry conditions elsewhere. Residents in high-risk fire areas were urged to remain cautious. Veld fires can spread rapidly under low humidity, high temperatures and strong winds, making regions like Kamiesberg and Matzikama particularly vulnerable during this period.
Other Briefly News stories on South African weather extremes
- On Monday, 26 October 2026, SAWS issued widespread alerts as a volatile weather front swept across five provinces, bringing a mix of torrential rains and dry inland gales.
- The South African Weather Service (SAWS) placed KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape under Yellow Level 4 and Level 2 impact-based warnings on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, cautioning residents against hail, excessive lightning, damaging winds, and flash flooding in low-lying settlements and road networks.
- Weather forecasts for Wednesday, 28 October 2026, highlighted stark regional contrasts across South Africa, with Pretoria soaring to 32°C and Johannesburg hitting 30°C under an extreme UV index of 12.
Source: Briefly News
