The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a heatwave warning for Gauteng, Mpumalanga as well as Limpopo and the eastern parts of both the North West and the Free State until Friday. SAWS warned that extremely high fire danger conditions in places over the central and eastern parts of the Northern Cape, the north-western interior of the Eastern Cape, Free State, North West and south-western Bushveld of Limpopo were expected.
????Weather outlook for today, 07 February 2024.
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) February 7, 2024
Partly cloudy and warm , but very hot to hot in places in the north east. Isolated showers and thundershowers are expected over the Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, KZN as well as along the west coast of the Western Cape. #saws pic.twitter.com/pdvldD89Im
TAKE PRECAUTION
The public has been warned to not expose themselves to direct sunlight as it could have dire effects. Tshwane EMS's Charles Mabaso noted that temperatures in areas such as Hammanskraal are anticipated to rise to 37 ºC. "With souring temperatures, limiting outdoor activities especially during the hottest time of the day is a must. Wearing loose clothing and avoiding dark-coloured clothing and remaining in the shade where possible, keeping an eye on vulnerable individuals and ensuring that children or animals are not left in parked vehicles." he said. According to SAWS, Lephalale in Limpopo will reach a high of 40°C on today and 37°C on Thursday while Skukuza in Mpumalanga will reach a high of 38°C on today and soar to 39°C on Thursday with Potchefstroom reaching a high of 36°C today and 35°C tomorrow.
KEEP HYDRATED
Mabaso urged residents to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and avoiding direct sunlight. During days of extreme heat, keep drinking water before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors or performing physical activity. It is also important to avoid the sun between 11am-3pm.The heatwave is expected to last until Sunday.
