Cape Town – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that the western and south-western parts of South Africa are expected to experience very hot to extremely hot temperatures this week, resulting in heatwave conditions.
The warning comes after a brief period of cooler weather. Heatwave conditions are characterised by prolonged periods of at least three consecutive days where temperatures exceed the average of the hottest month by 5°C or more.
SAWS said the heatwave will be driven by atmospheric conditions currently affecting the region.
“The heatwave conditions are anticipated due to the presence of a strong, slow-moving high-pressure system in the upper levels of the atmosphere. The air in upper-air high-pressure systems sinks and warms as it descends, leading to higher temperatures at the surface,” SAWS said in a statement.
The weather service added that the system will be accompanied by offshore wind flow along the western coastline of South Africa.
“Very hot to extremely hot temperatures (36°C to 42°C) are expected across the coastal areas and adjacent interior of the Northern Cape and the western parts of the Western Cape from Monday.
“The highest temperatures will occur on Tuesday and Wednesday over the western parts of both the Northern Cape and Western Cape. The heatwave will spread to parts of the Central and Little Karoo on Tuesday.”
SAWS warned that the prolonged hot weather could pose health risks.
“Residents are advised to be aware of the prolonged period of hot weather, which may lead to health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” the weather service said.
Authorities urged residents to take precautionary measures, including drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest hours between midday and 3pm, wearing loose and light-coloured clothing, and staying in shaded or well-ventilated areas.
The weather service also advised people to keep a close watch on vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and babies, and warned against leaving children or animals in parked cars, even for a short time.
“SAWS will continue to monitor this system closely and will issue updates as new information becomes available. The public and relevant authorities are urged to follow official weather warnings and advisories from reliable sources,” the Weather Service said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
