Several African countries are experiencing extreme heat this March, with meteorological agencies issuing official heatwave alerts in some places and high-temperature warnings in others.
In parts of West and Southern Africa, daytime temperatures are exceeding seasonal averages, with some locations reaching 40°C-46°C, raising concerns about public health, agriculture, and energy demand.
Countries with official heatwave alerts
South Africa
Authorities in South Africa issued heatwave warnings this week. The South African Weather Service announced that heatwave conditions would affect parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape between 9 and 13 March 2026.
Forecasts indicate temperatures ranging from 36°C to 42°C across several areas, with some stations reporting even higher readings. A reading of 42.1°C was recorded in Cape Town, breaking a previous March record for the city.
The agency warned that prolonged heat could increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and wildfires, especially in inland areas where temperatures remain high for several days.
Mali
In West Africa, Mali-Météo issued a nationwide extreme heat alert from 9 to 15 March 2026.
Authorities warned that temperatures could rise between 34°C and 45°C, particularly in the Sahelian and Saharan zones. Cities such as Kayes, Gao and Timbuktu are expected to experience the most intense heat during the period.
Ivory Coast
Another country under official heatwave conditions is Ivory Coast, where the national meteorological authority (SODEXAM) warned that the country has been experiencing an “exceptional heatwave” since late February 2026.
The heat episode affects most parts of the country, with particularly severe conditions in northern and central regions. Temperatures in several areas have reached 35°C to 39°C, and forecasters say the situation could persist until the end of March, which is traditionally the hottest period of the year.
Nigeria
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency issued a heat stress warning for March 2026, affecting several states across the country.
Meteorologists said daytime temperatures in some locations could reach 37°C to 40°C, especially during the peak afternoon hours.
The agency warned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.
Other countries experiencing very high temperatures
Apart from the countries with formal heatwave alerts, several other African nations are experiencing unusually high temperatures this month.
In Sudan, daytime temperatures have climbed above 38°C to 43°C in some areas as the region enters its hottest season. Similar conditions are reported in parts of Niger, where temperatures often approach 40°C to 41°C during the late dry season.
Eastern Africa is also feeling the impact of the heat. Meteorological observations show that parts of Kenya and Somalia are experiencing significant heat stress, with temperatures in many locations ranging between 35°C and 38°C.
Such extreme heat episodes are becoming more frequent across Africa, particularly in the Sahel belt, a semi-arid zone stretching across several countries south of the Sahara. The region is known for prolonged dry seasons and intense sunshine, which often drive temperatures well above 36°C for extended periods.
Growing climate concerns
The current wave of extreme heat comes amid concerns about climate change and its impact on weather patterns across Africa.
The implications of this heat wave go beyond discomfort. Prolonged heat can affect food production, strain electricity supplies and increase health risks, especially in areas where access to cooling and reliable power may be limited.
