Southern Africa: Heatwave forecast across the region through at least Nov. 26

Forecast models indicate that a heatwave will persist across parts of southern Africa through at least Nov. 26. The affected area includes Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, southern Mozambique, southern Namibia, and central and eastern South Africa. Maximum temperatures of around 35-43 C (95-109 F) are expected across much of the affected area over the coming days. Authorities in the region are advising the public to take precautionary measures due to the intense heat, such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and wearing suitable clothing.

The Department of Meteorological Services in Botswana issued a heatwave warning across the country through at least Nov. 26. Maximum temperatures of 36-41 C (97-106 F) are forecast over most parts of the country.

The Eswatini Meteorological Service has issued an advisory stating very hot temperatures are expected through at least Nov. 25 and the extreme heat may result in heat stress on animals and humans, heat stroke, and dehydration.

The Lesotho Meteorological Service has forecast very hot temperatures in the lowlands Nov. 23, with isolated showers and a slight cooling by 1-2 C (2-4 F) Nov. 24-25. Temperatures are likely to rise again from Nov. 26.

Mozambqiue's National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has issued an orange heatwave warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across parts of Gaza, Ihambene, and Maputo provinces, with temperatures of 35-38 C (95-100 F) expected in these regions through Nov. 24.

Namibia's Meteorological Service has warned that heatwave conditions are expected in southern parts of the country through at least Nov. 26. Maximums of around 38-40 C (100-104 F) are expected in the affected area over the coming days.

The South African Weather Service has issued advisories due to high temperatures across Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga provinces and parts of eastern and northeastern Eastern Cape, central and northern Free State, interior KwaZulu-Natal, central and eastern North West, and far eastern Northern Cape provinces.

Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The extended period of very high temperatures and dry conditions may increase the potential for wildfires throughout the region. The high temperatures may result in drought conditions in the country. Authorities may implement water rationing, restricting water supply when necessary; they may also prohibit the use of potable water to irrigate green spaces or limit water withdrawal from wells, springs, or waterways.

Heatwaves pose a health threat to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses, due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events. In addition to significantly impacting athletes and those who work outdoors, high temperatures can cause problems for people using mass transit. Some passengers may require hospitalization for dehydration due to the lack of air conditioning and cramped vehicles during rush hour.

Overheated vehicles could prompt traffic disruptions in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur, as very high temperatures put more stress on vehicles and make tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely at regional airports, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.