The SA Weather Services has issued a heat advisory for today, 1 December, for these areas in South Africa. Read more here…
By: Corné van Zyl
A HEAT advisory was issued for TODAY in these parts of the country.
BE WARNED – MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR PETS ARE SAFE IN THE HEAT
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) warned that 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 hypothermia. People and animals can get heat exhaustion, heat stroke, faintness, dry skin and dehydration.” SAWS
These areas will be affected by the head conditions:
- Beaufort West
- Oudtshoorn
- Laingsburg
- Prince Albert
The SAWS furthermore advised to avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun as far as possible and drink plenty of water.
ALSO READ: 30 ways Cape Town has cleaned up it’s wetlands and waterways
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER TO AVOID DEHYDRATION
“Make sure your animals have access to enough water. Drink plenty of water, put on sunscreen and avoid strenuous outside work.” SAWS
The SPCA has warned pet owners of precautionary measures to ensure their animals are safe, as scorching temperatures are expected.
If a surface is too hot for your barefoot, it’s too hot for your pets.
THINK OF YOUR PET IN THIS HEAT
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA earlier this year warned that leaving your beloved animals in a hot car – whether the car is parked in a shaded area with the windows rolled down or not – can be fatal.
The animal welfare organisation called on the public to report animals in hot cars to 021 700 4158/9 or 083 326 1604 after hours.
White-faced dogs are advised to be kept indoors, and pet-friendly sunscreen should be applied to pink noses, ear tips, and hairless areas.
The advisory is in place until Thursday evening around midnight.
A WARNING WAS ISSUED FOR VELD FIRE CONDITIONS ON THURSDAY
It also issued a weather warning for veld fires in several parts of the country.
According to the 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.”
THESE AREAS MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY VELD FIRES
These areas might be affected by veld fires:
- Khâi-Ma / Pofadder
- Hantam / Calvinia
- Karoo Hoogland / Sutherland
- Beaufort West
- Laingsburg
- Prince Albert
The SAWS urged the public that fire teams, labour and equipment should be placed on stand-by.
“A first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.” SAWS
