Back to school under storm clouds as heavy rain, heat forecast across SA

As pupils around the country return to classrooms on Wednesday, parents and schools are being urged to keep a close eye on the weather, with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warning of widespread rain, possible flooding and extreme heat in parts of the country.

According to SAWS, Mpumalanga and Limpopo are expected to experience widespread showers and thundershowers from Tuesday into Wednesday, with rainfall accumulations raising the risk of localised flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

The far north-eastern parts of the country are expected to remain cloudy with persistent rain through Thursday.

In the central interior, conditions will be partly cloudy and cool to warm, with isolated to scattered showers forecast, which could disrupt morning commutes and school drop-offs. There is also a chance of rain along the south-west coast, while much of the western regions will remain fine but dangerously hot.

SAWS warns that parts of the Northern Cape, including areas around Upington, will experience extremely hot conditions, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, posing health risks for learners and educators, especially at schools without adequate cooling.

City forecasts for the school run

• Johannesburg: Cooler on Wednesday at 26°C, warming to 30°C on Thursday

• Pretoria: Mild on Wednesday (28°C), heating up to 32°C on Thursday

• Cape Town: Warm and dry on Wednesday (28°C), cooling sharply by Thursday

• Durban: Hot and humid at 31°C on Wednesday, with cooler weather expected Thursday

• Bloemfontein: Persistently hot at around 34°C

• Polokwane: Mild conditions improving into warmer weather by Thursday

• Upington: Scorching heat continues, easing slightly on Thursday

Parents are advised to allow extra travel time, ensure children are properly hydrated, and remain alert to weather-related school announcements, particularly in provinces affected by heavy rain.

IOL