Extreme heat expected in SA today with 41°C in some parts

The SA Weather Service has issued a warning for extreme heatwave conditions in many parts of SA today, 11 January. Here’s more details…

By: Corné van Zyl

Heatwave conditions are expected in several parts of South Africa on Wednesday. 

EXTREME HEATWAVE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED UNTIL THURSDAY

According to the SA Weather Service (SAWS) heatwave with persistently high temperatures is expected until Thursday. 

“When the temperature is extremely high, human’s ability to cool their bodies through sweating is reduced. This can be a real threat that leads to hyperthermia. People and animals can get heat exhaustion, heat stroke, faintness, dry skin, and dehydration.” 

SAWS

ALSO READ: Heat Advisory: 40°C for parts of the Western Cape

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE HEATWAVE CONDITIONS

These areas will be affected by the heatwave conditions: 

• Inxuba Yethemba / Cradock
• Dr Beyers Naude – Graaff-Reinet / Graaff – Reinet
• Raymond Mhlaba – Fort Beaufort / Fort Beaufort
• Blue Crane Route / Somerset East
• Makana / Makhanda/Grahamstown
• Sundays River Valley / Addo
• Dr Beyers Naude – Jansenville / Jansenville
• Kou-Kamma / Joubertina
• Dr Beyers Naude – Baviaans / Willowmore
• Kannaland / Ladismith
• Laingsburg
• Khâi-Ma / Pofadder
• Letsemeng / Koffiefontein
• Thembelihle / Hopetown
• Kopanong / Fauresmith
• Mohokare / Aliwal North
• Renosterberg / Petrusville
• Umsobomvu / Noupoort

“Avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun as far as possible and drink plenty of water. Make sure your animals have access to enough water. 

“Drink plenty of water, put on sunscreen, and avoid strenuous outside work.” 

VELD FIRE WARNINGS WERE ALSO ISSUED FOR WEDNESDAY

Meanwhile, veld fire warnings were also issued for Tuesday in these areas: 

• Dr Beyers Naude – Baviaans / Willowmore
• Dawid Kruiper – Twee Rivieren / Twee Rivieren
• Kai !Garib / Augrabies Falls
• Tsantsabane / Postmasburg
• Siyancuma / Griquastad
• Ubuntu / Victoria West
• Kareeberg / VanWyksvlei
• Inxuba Yethemba / Cradock
• Walter Sisulu – Burgersdorp / Burgersdorp
• Enoch Magijima – Molteno / Molteno
• Enoch Magijima – Komani / Komani/Queenstown
• Dr Beyers Naude – Baviaans / Willowmore
• Blue Crane Route / Somerset East
• Siyathemba / Prieska
• Thembelihle / Hopetown
• Renosterberg / Petrusville
• Emthanjeni / De Aar

The SAWS said conditions are such that the FDI index will be above 75. 

“Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to grazing land, crops, and property and possible loss of life.” 

It furthermore advised the public not to start any open fires as conditions will be conducive for runaway fires. 

“Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full standby. At the first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.” 

SAWS

WHAT TO DO WHEN VELD FIRES APPROACH YOUR PROPERTY

What you should do when veld fire approaches your property: 

• Decide whether it is safer to stay or leave the scene.
• Wear protective clothing and footwear.
• Have emergency food and medical supplies ready.
• Move livestock to safer areas.
• Listen to the radio for news updates.
• Wet the garden and house, especially on the side of the approaching fire.
• Plug gutters and fill them with water.
• Fill baths, buckets and dust bins with water in case the water supply fails, and have mops handy.
• Seal any gaps between the doors and floor using wet towels or similar items.
• Close all windows and doors.
• If you decide to stay, go indoors and remain there until the fire has passed.
• Take fire hoses and other firefighting equipment indoors with you.
• Check inside the house, including the roof cavity, and extinguish any small fires immediately.
• Remain vigilant after the fire has passed.
• If you decide to evacuate your home, remember that every second counts:
• Escape first, then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and make sure everyone in the family gathers at an agreed meeting place outside.
• Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.
• Practise feeling your way out with your eyes closed.
• Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.
• Practice your family emergency plan / home escape plan frequently with your family.
• Never return to a burning building for any reason, you could die.
• Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a home fire.

“Conditions are such that the Fire Danger Index (FDI) is above 75. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.”

SAWS

Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.