Packed with sunseekers, Strand beach offered a welcome escape as Capetonians tried to cool off during Wednesday’s scorching heat
Image: AYANDA NDAMANE
Capetonians were hot and bothered in the stuffy 42.1°C heat on Wednesday, with many making a beeline for beaches, pools and air-conditioned shops just to cool down.
And those stuck behind the wheel in traffic made sure everyone knew just how bad it was, littering Facebook with photos of car dashboards showing temperatures in the 40s.
While the scorching heat sent large crowds queuing for anything cold they could get their hands on at ice cream shops, it was far less sweet news for the metro’s dams as water levels continued to drop, so much so that they are now 17.5% lower than this time last year.
SA Weather Service (Saws) senior forecaster Stella Naka said the Mother City recorded a peak temperature of 42.1°C, making it the hottest day so far this year.
“Temperatures are expected to gradually cool from Friday, with Cape Town forecast to reach around 30°C,” she told IOL.
Naka also warned that the sky-high temperatures seen on car dashboards are not an accurate measure of the real temperature outdoors.
"According to the World Meteorological Organisation standard, air temperature must be measured about 1.25 to two metres above the ground in a shaded, well-ventilated enclosure, away from buildings, vehicles, asphalt and other heat sources," she said.
"Readings from cars do not meet these standards because the sensors are affected by sunlight, hot road surfaces and heat from the vehicle itself.
"As a result, car thermometers can show temperatures several degrees higher than the actual ambient air temperature recorded at official weather stations."
Naka said the Saws could also not confirm whether Wednesday’s temperature was higher than any recorded in Cape Town during 2025 because part of the country’s observational weather data was lost during a cyberattack last summer.
"It left gaps in the verified records," she said.
The forecaster said towns around Cape Town also sweltered in the heat, with Stellenbosch reaching 41.7°C, Paarl 43.1°C, Grabouw 39.2°C and Kirstenbosch 42.1°C.
A social media user shared this photo showing a car dashboard reading 44°C as Cape Town sweltered in Wednesday’s heat
Image: FACEBOOK
Meanwhile, ice cream shops in and around the Mother City said the heat sent customers flocking in for a cold treat.
Aaliyah Lakay from Two Scoops of Happiness in Mitchells Plain said the shop was noticeably busier than usual.
“It was definitely more busy today, especially for a Wednesday," she told IOL.
"People wanted to cool down, that’s for sure ... our mud-pie ice cream was the fan favourite."
At Crumbs & Cream in Sea Point, Nadav Iahat said the steady stream of customers did not let up.
“So many people came today," he said.
"It was one of the hottest days of the year by far and we were busy throughout the day. People just wanted ice creams."
Andrew Hendrick from What’s the Scoop? in Langeberg Ridge said the rush peaked in the afternoon.
“Absolutely very busy today.
"From about 12pm to 3pm was our peak.
"In the morning we saw more elderly people, but once school came out we were packed,” he said, adding that patrons went berserk for his waffles topped with ice cream.
But for the dams, the scorching heat was far less welcome as the metro warned that water levels remain under pressure heading into the months before winter rainfall.
"Cape Town is not in a drought, however, the window to avoid water restrictions later this year is narrowing," the city's water and sanitation boss Zahid Badroodien said.
"Based on the current water usage trend, dam storage could drop as low as 40% by May if this year’s rainfall is average."
Dam storage currently stands at 51.8%, about 17.5% lower than the same time last year, and the water will need to last until the next winter rainfall season, he said.
Over the past week, water use climbed to 1,018m litres a day, well above the target of 975m litres set to help manage supply until winter.
Badroodien urged residents to continue using water carefully.
“As Cape Town experiences soaring temperatures this week, our call is for Team Cape Town to please keep hydrated and cool while remembering to use water wisely and responsibly,” he said.
“With dam levels being 17.5% lower compared to last year, and unpredictable rainfall, we have to use water responsibly and be water wise at all times, especially this summer, including this scorching week.”
The heat also had Capetonians venting online, with many taking to Facebook to share just how unbearable the day had become.
Riaan du Plessis, of Stellenbosch, said his thermometer showed 44°C.
“I’m gatvol of the sun and summer. I’m now looking for winter, a fireplace and red juice from the wingered,” he wrote.
Mark Birkenhead said it was 38.2°C in his garden and that he was on his way to Sandy Bay to “quickly put out this fire with a quick plunge”.
Rae Mitchell described the day as “boiling hot” and posted a photo of his car thermometer showing 44°C.
Saadiqah Arenas wrote that in Lansdowne a smoky smell clung to the air outside, meaning she could not even open the windows or doors because it “stinks”.
The City of Cape Town, on its website, said it was important to stay hydrated and carry enough water when away from home or the office.
It said residents should also:
IOL