More hot weather is on the way, as the SA Weather Service says that heatwave conditions will last until the weekend for some parts.
By: Storm Simpson
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) prolonged the heatwave and discomfort advisory in the Northern and Western Cape on Wednesday, 11 January.
HEATWAVE TO LAST UNTIL SUNDAY
The heatwave and discomfort advisory is valid from 14:00 on Wednesday until 20:00 on Sunday, 15 January.
The affected areas include the Central and Little Karoo in the Western Cape and Khai-Ma Municipality in the Northern Cape.
“Persistently high maximum temperatures for at least three consecutive days are expected to result in heatwave conditions [in the Karoo] until Friday but continuing over the Khai-Ma Municipality into Sunday,” said the weather service.
“Temperatures are expected to be in the high 30s and reaching 40 degrees Celsius, which will result in extremely uncomfortable conditions.”
As previously reported, the weather service usually advises residents to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water during heatwave conditions.
The potential impacts of the heatwave include
- Hyperthermia. The human ability to cool the body through sweating is reduced when temperatures are extremely high.
- Heat stroke is the most pressing health and safety concern in an extremely hot environment. The weather service warned that it can be fatal if medical attention is not received immediately.
- Heatwaves can contribute to veld fires if it occurs during a drought.
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