A heatwave has hit parts of the Western Cape as temperatures soared to 40°C on Thursday.

CAPE TOWN - A heatwave has hit parts of the Western Cape as temperatures soared to 40°C on Thursday.

The high heat descended in the cape on Wednesday and is expected to cool down over the weekend. Vredendal has recorded the highest temperature of 44°C, while central Cape Town is at 36°C.

The province has been grappling with the high usage of water following a dry winter season which saw little rain.

The first week of December saw dam levels reach 35.1%, with calls for residents to use water sparingly. The Western Cape Government has urged residents to stay safe in the sun.

In a statement, the government said staying in the sun for longer periods of time can cause sunburn and if you’re not properly hydrated, you can suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

The SA Weather Service has also warned of wildfire conditions.

The central and eastern parts of South Africa have been experiencing heavy rainfall since the beginning of the week.