Scorching heat prompts school closures in East Africa, temperatures soar over 110°F

A potent March heatwave scorched East Africa, pushing temperatures well above 110°F and promoting school closures and power outages.

In March 2024, East Africa faced a severe heatwave that led to emergency actions, including closing schools in South Sudan for two weeks due to expected temperatures of 106 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit (41 to 45 degrees Celsius).

The heatwave was at its worst during mid-March, especially in South Sudan, where temperatures went way above the usual for the dry season. In the capital city Juba, some residents endured the heat without electric fans because increased demand led to power cuts. Local news reports included incidents of death due to excessive heat.

On March 18, satellite images and temperature maps from the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) showed temperatures in the area reaching up to 113°F (45°C).

This event is part of a bigger trend of rising temperatures across Africa, with a noticeable increase in southern Africa in February and severe heat waves in West Africa. Experts from World Weather Attribution link these extreme weather conditions to climate change, pointing out that such events are becoming more common.

Looking forward to cooler weather with the rainy season, officials in South Sudan plan to open schools again on April 2, 2024, hoping for a decrease in temperatures.