It’s hot: Rare ‘extreme discomfort advisory’ for the Western Cape

The weather service has issued an ‘extreme discomfort advisory’ for the Western Cape, due to the very high temperatures.

By: Storm Simpson

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an Extreme Discomfort Advisory for the Western Cape on Monday, 28 November. This follows a similar advisory for extreme heat in the province.

EXTREME DISCOMFORT WEATHER ADVISORY

The extreme discomfort advisory is valid from 10:00 until 18:00 on Tuesday, 29 November. The south coast and eastern parts of the Western Cape will mostly be affected between Riviersonderend and Knysna.

“Very hot conditions will result in uncomfortable conditions over the central interior and in places along the south coast of the Western Cape,” said the weather service.

The mercury is expected to hit 40 degrees Celsius and above in parts of the province on Tuesday.

Residents are advised to avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun and keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

The potential impacts of the hot weather 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.

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