Heatwave to end and rain likely ahead

The Vaal Dam level is presently at 26%, and water will be released from Sterkfontein Dam when the level reaches 18%, department of water and sanitation spokesperson Wisane Mavasa says.

- Marizka Coetzer

This is as per the operational rule.

"The climatic conditions persist and the recent rainfall made no significant difference to the level," she added.

Mavasa said the Lesotho Highlands Scheme water tunnel maintenance project was on schedule.

Vox Weather meteorologist Michelle du Plessis said the heatwave will break this weekend.

"For the next week or so there may be good rain over central and northeastern South Africa [Free State, North West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape]," she said.

Du Plessis said the remnants of tropical cyclone Chido might bring good rain.