Weather Service Warns Against Fires Amid Heat

Authorities urge residents in heat-affected provinces to avoid lighting fires as El Niño drives unusually high temperatures this season.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Forecasts

Wide dry grassland under harsh midday sun with a single leafless acacia tree, cracked earth, and heat haze over a distant ridge. — The South African Weather Service warned residents in Gauteng, the Northern Cape, the Free State and parts of the North West to avoid lighting fires as El Niño drives unusually high temperatures. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The South African Weather Service has warned people to avoid starting fires as exceptionally high temperatures affect Gauteng, the Northern Cape, the Free State and parts of the North West. The heat is occurring unusually this year due to El Niño, which has also lowered rainfall.

Why it matters

Unusually high temperatures and below-normal rainfall raise the risk of fires in the affected provinces. Water levels in dams are expected to decline as temperatures rise, making careful water use important for residents across South Africa.

The advisory describes exceptionally high temperatures and below-normal rainfall in four provinces, with no measured values or seasonal comparators supplied. Forecasters have not yet indicated how long the heat will persist beyond the expected weekend drop in temperatures.

The players

South African Weather Service

The South African Weather Service is the national agency responsible for weather forecasting and warnings across South Africa.

The details

Authorities have urged people in the affected areas to avoid lighting fires. Temperatures are expected to drop over the weekend in provinces experiencing the heat this week, while residents are advised to use water carefully as summer begins on 1 December.

This week: heat warning and fire-avoidance advisory issued in affected provinces.
Thursday through the weekend: fire-risk period in provinces with heat, with temperatures expected to drop.
1 December: summer begins and residents are urged to conserve water.

Seasonal Patterns

The advisory ties this season's heat and low rainfall to El Niño, the Pacific climate cycle that periodically disrupts southern African rainfall. The warning places the current heat within that recurring pattern as summer approaches.

Residents in Gauteng, the Northern Cape, the Free State and parts of the North West should avoid lighting fires during this heat period. Use water carefully as dams decline and summer begins on 1 December.

The takeaway

Heat from El Niño is reducing rainfall and raising fire risk, so avoiding open flames and conserving water now will help ease pressure as summer begins.