Heatwave in Western US
Temperatures are rising sharply in California and Arizona this week as a ridge of high pressure drives heat well above seasonal averages. Daytime highs are predicted to be 10-15°C above normal in some locations.
The US National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for parts of California and Arizona. Extreme heat warnings are in effect on Monday and Tuesday in areas such as Palm Springs, where temperatures could reach between 40-43°C (104-110°F). More broadly, temperatures are expected to climb into the high 30s Celsius before the heat shifts eastward toward the Midwest later this week.
Severe Weather in South Africa
Meanwhile, severe weather conditions are expected to persist across parts of South Africa, with heavy rain and damaging winds increasing the risk of flooding. Rain arrived from the Atlantic across the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday morning, leading to persistent downpours throughout the weekend. Between Monday and Wednesday, some areas in the Western Cape could receive over 200mm of rain, while mountainous regions may see totals approaching 300mm.
The South African Weather Service has issued multiple warnings, emphasizing the potential for flash flooding, mudslides, rockfalls, and damage to infrastructure and property.
Heavy rainfall is also expected to coincide with strong, potentially damaging winds. Large areas of southern South Africa, including the Western and Eastern Cape, are forecast to experience north-westerly to westerly gusts exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) early this week. Even stronger gusts are likely over higher terrain, particularly across the Cape Fold Mountains.
Recent Flooding and Impact
These warnings follow recent heavy rain that caused flooding, road closures, and infrastructure damage across the Western and Eastern Cape between 5-7 May. Some areas recorded more than 300mm of rain, prompting evacuations in Gamtoos Valley after the Kouga dam exceeded capacity. Power outages and at least 45 road closures left many communities isolated.
One fatality was reported in Knysna, Western Cape, and over 2,000 people were relocated to emergency shelters due to the flooding.
