Residents along the coast experienced unusually high temperatures this week as a heatwave pushed hot desert air toward coastal towns including Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and surrounding areas.
Forecasts earlier in the week indicated that temperatures would climb sharply from Monday through Thursday before easing toward Friday. Forecast maximum temperatures issued earlier in the week were: Monday (9 March): 36°C; Tuesday (10 March): 40°C; Wednesday (11 March): 40°C; Thursday (12 March): 37°C; Friday (13 March): 28°C. The most intense heat was expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, when temperatures were forecast to reach around 40°C, conditions considered highly unusual for Namibia’s typically cool Atlantic coastline. Coastal towns such as Walvis Bay and Swakopmund are normally protected from extreme heat by the cold Benguela Current, which keeps temperatures moderate throughout the year.
In March, average day-time temperatures in these towns are usually around 22°C to 23°C, making temperatures approaching 40°C an exceptional departure from normal coastal conditions. Residents along the coast are more accustomed to such hot conditions during winter berg-wind events, when hot inland air occasionally pushes toward the coast, rather than during the late summer and early autumn months.
The heat experienced along Namibia’s coast formed part of a broader regional weather pattern affecting much of the western coastline of southern Africa. The South African Weather Service issued a heatwave advisory earlier this week for parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape, including Cape Town, warning that temperatures in some areas could reach between 36°C and 42°C from 9 to 13 March.
Authorities in Cape Town also urged residents to take precautions as temperatures climbed into the high 30s and low 40s across parts of the province. Meteorologists attribute these conditions to a strong high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere combined with offshore wind flow, which allows hot inland air to move toward the coast and warm further as it descends toward sea level.
Residents were advised to take precautions during the hottest days of the week, particularly during midday hours when heat exposure is most dangerous. Safety recommendations included: Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated; Avoiding direct sunlight between 11:00 and 16:00; Wearing light clothing, hats and sunscreen; Never leaving children or pets in parked vehicles; Checking on elderly neighbours and vulnerable residents; Ensuring pets have shade and fresh water.
With temperatures expected to moderate toward the weekend, residents were encouraged to remain aware of weather conditions and continue taking sensible precautions during periods of extreme heat.
By Eileen van der Schyff
