Heatwave to rip through Gauteng
The South African Weather Service says a three-day heatwave has been forecast for Gauteng.
The expected sweltering conditions will see temperatures rise to 38 degrees celsius in parts of the province.
The heat will start on Saturday and is predicted to end next Monday.
Forecaster, Wayne Venter, says the extreme warm and hot weather will persist with little relief from rain.
*Alerts for 05-08 Jan 2018 below. How do SAWS determine heatwaves? The heatwave map shows different thresholds based on hottest AVE maximum temperature (climate statistics). EX: CPT 32C or more for at least 3 consecutive days. If lower for 1 out of the 3 days, then NO heatwave. pic.twitter.com/iH51imMlvc
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 4, 2018
"We are expecting temperatures to reach mid to high 30's for most parts of Gauteng. Johannesburg can expect 34 - 36 degrees celsius with Pretoria forecasting 36 - 38 degrees celsius.
Venter explains that the heatwave will record temperatures much higher than what was recorded in January 2017.
"A heatwave is defined by three consecutive days with maximum temperatures to be more or equal to 5 degrees or higher than the average maximum of the month of the year."