Lauren Isaacs19 February 2025 | 9:50

Inclement weather grips north of SA, while fires rage in the Cape

In the Cape, temperatures are expected to soar up to 34 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while residents in Gauteng are experiencing the opposite extreme, with persistent heavy rains resulting in flooding.

Inclement weather grips north of SA, while fires rage in the Cape

Picture: Pexels

CAPE TOWN - Inclement weather has gripped the north of the country, while fires are raging under extremely hot and windy conditions in the Cape. 

A fire in the Cape Winelands District Municipality has resulted in some damages, with a firefighter having sustained injuries at Lateganskop.

In the Cape, temperatures are expected to soar up to 34 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality has warned that due to the extreme weather conditions and multiple fires in the region, no burning is allowed, even with a valid permit.

Authorities said the blaze that started on Oaklands farm above Wellington has been the most problematic.

A house and two sheds were destroyed, and two cottages had to be evacuated. Damages to crops were also reported.

Meanwhile, residents in Gauteng are experiencing the opposite extreme, with persistent heavy rains resulting in flooding.

In Montana, north of Pretoria, a tornado on Tuesday caused extensive damage to homes, carports, and businesses, uprooting trees along its path. The torrential downpours were hampering mopping-up and rebuilding efforts.