Several Towns Hit 38°C as Heatwave Grips Interior
Kimberley, Mahikeng, Upington, Kroonstad and Vryburg each recorded 38°C on Thursday, 12 November 2026.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Current Conditions
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Several South African towns recorded 38°C on Thursday, 12 November 2026, with Bloemfontein and Rustenburg reaching 37°C. The South African Weather Service has warned of persistently high temperatures across parts of the country.
Why it matters
Persistently high temperatures across the interior pose health risks, particularly for children, older people and pets. Heatwave conditions are expected to continue in parts of the North West and Free State until Friday, 13 November.
Recorded maximum temperatures reached 38°C in Kimberley, Mahikeng, Upington, Kroonstad and Vryburg, and 37°C in Bloemfontein and Rustenburg, on Thursday, 12 November 2026. The extraction does not provide historical averages for comparison or indicate how long the heat lasted.
The players
South African Weather Service
The South African Weather Service is the national agency responsible for weather forecasting, climate monitoring and issuing weather warnings for South Africa.
The details
The South African Weather Service issued warnings of persistently high temperatures across parts of the country. Residents are urged to limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, drink enough water, and take extra care of children, older people and pets.
Timeline
Thursday, 12 November 2026: Towns across the interior recorded 37-38°C temperatures.
Friday, 13 November 2026: Heatwave conditions are expected to end in the North West and Free State.
Seasonal Patterns
The 38°C readings fall under the South African Weather Service's current warnings for persistently high temperatures across parts of the country. The extraction does not provide historical averages, so the relative severity of this November heat cannot be confirmed from the available data.
Limit time in direct sunlight during the afternoon and keep up fluid intake, especially if you work outdoors. Check on children, older people and pets, and never leave them in parked vehicles.
The takeaway
Temperatures of 37-38°C across the interior are a reminder to plan outdoor activity around cooler parts of the day. Simple precautions such as hydration and shade protect vulnerable household members during heatwave conditions.
Further reading
For the latest readings across the country, see Current Conditions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The South African.
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