The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a heatwave warning for parts of the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.
The heatwave is expected to persist until Thursday (29 January), with residents urged to take necessary precautions against prolonged exposure to the sun.
For most parts of the country, hot and sunny conditions are expected to continue throughout the weekend.
Heatwave not expected in Gauteng
In Gauteng, residents can expect partly cloudy and warm weather, with isolated showers and thundershowers forecast. The province’s UVB sunburn index is expected to remain high, prompting further caution when spending time outdoors.
Temperatures across Gauteng are forecast to reach the low 30s, while isolated afternoon thundershowers are expected in parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the North West.
Although no heatwave is forecast for the northern parts of the country, SAWS has warned that hot conditions are likely to persist into next week, with limited rainfall expected.
Here’s the World Health Organisation‘s tips on how to stay cool during a heatwave:
Keep your body cool and hydrated.
Keep your home cool.
Stay out of the heat. Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the year.
Stay in the shade. Remember that reported temperatures are measured in the shade, and it can be 10-15˚C hotter in the sun.
Avoid strenuous physical activity if you can. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which can be in the morning between 04:00 and 07:00.
Do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles.
Regularly check in with vulnerable people in your circle – especially people over 65 years old and those with heart, lung, or kidney conditions, a disability, and living alone.
