Western Cape fire crews on high alert as heatwave grips province

Western Cape fire crews are on high alert after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a heatwave and high fire warning for the province.

Persistent high temperatures are forecast until the end of the week.

A heatwave has taken hold of parts of the Western Cape and the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape.

Extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions were expected on Wednesday, with most maximum temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

In the Cape Winelands, Paarl was expected to reach a high of 44 degrees, Stellenbosch 43 and Robertson 40 degrees Celsius.

The hot, dry weather has already wreaked havoc in the Boland, where firefighters are battling a blaze above the Old Pass at Du Toitskloof in Paarl. Fire officials said the heat increased the possibility of flare-up fires.

Meanwhile, on the West Coast, Clanwilliam and Vredendal were expected to reach 44 degrees, Atlantis 42 and Langebaan 40 degrees.