News

SA weather: Heatwave conditions to persist until Wednesday

The SA Weather Service has advised that heatwave conditions in several parts of South Africa will persist into the week. Here’s more details…

Heatwave conditions to persist in several parts of SA. Photo: canva

By: Corné van Zyl

HEATWAVE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED UNTIL WEDNESDAY

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

ALSO READ: Five ways to keep cool during a summer heatwave

“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

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
Heatwave conditions on TUESDAY in several parts of SA Photo: SAWS

“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 TUESDAY

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
Heatwave conditions on TUESDAY in several parts of SA Photo: SAWS

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.

The South African

The South African is an independent, impartial, and fact-driven online news platform. Visit TheSouthAfrican.com for all the latest news, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle stories from South Africa and around the world.

Recent Posts

Who are the most-capped Springboks in Test rugby?

Discover the names of the seven players who have played more over 100 Tests in…

1 year ago

Springboks trophy tour bus crashes in the Eastern Cape

The Springbok branded Tour bus was involved accident that happened on Monday while the vehicle was travelling from…

1 year ago

Several SEVERE weather alerts issued for the country from TODAY

Shorts and slops or an umbrella? Here's what the weather holds for every province in…

1 year ago

Guinness World Records: Largest LEGO® brick playing card

The largest LEGO® brick playing card is 3.69 m X 2.59 m (12 ft 1…

1 year ago

Joke of the day: Stocking up on green beans – 16 October 2023

Laughter is the best medicine they say and South Africans certainly could do with a…

1 year ago

WEATHER: Severe thunderstorms, winds, heavy rain and HAIL to hit these parts of SA

Shorts and slops or an umbrella? Here's what the weather holds for every province in…

1 year ago