Heatwave conditions have made a return today – here’s where

Heatwave conditions are expected to return on today, 9 October and weather services say it will affect even more areas. Here’s where…

Weather services have warned that the HEATWAVE conditions are expected to return TODAY and it will affect an even broader area. 

HEATWAVE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO RETURN ON SUNDAY

According to, VoxWeather, weather monitoring models are indicating that the HEATWAVE conditions are expected to return on Sunday and it will affect an even broader area. 

VoxWeather forecaster Annette Botha explained that a dominating high pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere is responsible for the extreme heat. 

WHAT IS CAUSING THE HEATWAVE?

“The High pressure is drifting south this weekend to the northern areas of South Africa, heating up the Northern Cape, North-West and interior.” 

Forecaster Annette Botha

She furthermore said when high pressure sits over an area, it results in the sinking of air through the atmosphere. 

“The air compresses and heats up as it sinks. This significantly decreases the chances of convection taking place for thunderstorms to develop.” 

WEATHER ADVISORY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a weather advisory for the heatwave for the following areas: 

• Ramotshere Moiloa / Zeerust
• Moses Kotane / Pilanesberg
• Local Municipality of Madibeng / Hartebeespoort
• Kgetlengrivier / Koster
• Mahikeng / Mafikeng
• Ditsobotla / Lichtenburg
• Ventersdorp/Tlokwe / Ventersdorp
• City of Matlosana / Klerksdorp
• Moqhaka/Kroonstad
• Ngwathe / Ngwathe/Parys
• Moqhaka/Kroonstad
• Rustenburg

The SAWS said prolonged exposure to midday sun poses health risks such as dehydration and heatstroke.

“Stay hydrated. Seek shades/shelter. Work early morning and late afternoon, and avoid midday sun exposure.” 

THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF A HEATWAVE INCLUDES:

• Heat stroke.
• Heat cramps.
• Heat exhaustion due to prolonged exposure or physical activities.

ALSO READ: Regional weather forecast, Sunday, 09 October 2022

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO STAY COOL:

• Stay hydrated – When you’re hot and flushed, hydrating yourself is the first and foremost step to cooling down.
• Take a cold shower or bath– Taking a cold shower or bath helps cool your body by lowering your core temperature.
• Use cold washrags on your neck or wrists – Place a cold washrag or ice bags (packs) on your wrists or drape it around your neck to cool your body. These pulse points are areas where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you’ll cool down more quickly.
• Close your curtains or blinds – If you have windows that face the sun’s direction in the morning through afternoon, close the curtains or blinds over them to keep the sun from coming directly into the house and heating the inside.
• Enjoy frozen treats – Eating an ice pop or ice cream to cool down may help for a moment. But don’t go overboard on the sugar if you’re overheated or at risk of being overheated.

By: Corné van Zyl