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Heatwave and stormy weather forecast for Durban and KZN this week

It's going to be a hot, sweaty week...

Lauren Anthony
Written by
Lauren Anthony
City Expert, Time Out Durban
Funny sweaty chubby bearded man in swimsuit sitting at home, suffering from crazy summer heat, wiping sweat off forehead, holding electric fan, wishing for heatwave to stop and fresh breeze to blow
Lacheev / iStock
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KwaZulu-Natal is heading into a serious weather mash-up, starting today, with inland temperatures expected to be scorching!

Pietermaritzburg is heading for a high of 38°C, while Durban will sit around 31°C… but don’t be fooled by the lower number on the coast.

Add humidity, and you’re going to be sweating through your slops just walking to the car.

What’s happening with the KZN weather?

According to the latest updates from the South African Weather Service, everyone should prepare for a volatile start to the week, with extreme heat, scattered showers, and possible thunderstorms in play across parts of South Africa.

For KwaZulu-Natal, conditions are expected to stay partly cloudy and warm to hot, becoming very hot in the east, with isolated showers and thundershowers possible in the west and south.

Coastal winds are expected to be moderate to fresh north-easterly, and the UVB sunburn index is high, meaning the sun is not here to play.

There’s also concern around extremely high fire danger, including parts of central KZN, especially with dry conditions and strong winds in the mix.

In short: Plan for ways to keep cool!

How to stay safe (and sane) in extreme heat

Here are some smart, simple ways to protect yourself:

  • Hydrate constantly (don’t wait until you’re thirsty)
  • Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, ideally in a cool, ventilated space
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy outdoor labour, especially midday
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that allows airflow
  • Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat or cap as your head overheats fast
  • Use sunscreen generously (high UV = fast burn)
  • Take regular breaks if you’re outside for work or travel
  • Keep kids out of direct sun between 10am and 4pm
  • Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for “just a minute”
  • Watch for heat exhaustion signs: dizziness, nausea, headache, cramps, confusion

This week, slow down, stay cool, and check the forecast before you head out. Your future self will thank you.

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