‘Stay away from the sun, keep hydrated’: Residents encouraged

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The Johannesburg Emergency Service [EMS] has encouraged residents in areas that have been affected by the heatwave to stay away from the sun where possible and keep hydrated.

This follows the hot weather conditions which were set to end over the weekend, however weather services said Gauteng residents will have to contend with the heat for a while further. 

The City of Johannesburg EMS spokesman, Robert Mulaudzi, said they had not yet been notified of any major heat wave related incident however they are well prepared. 

Heat waves happen when the temperature is higher than normal for several days in a row. Humidity can cause it to feel much hotter.

Forecaster Puseletso Mofokeng said despite some area being partly cloudy, it’s still extremely hot.

The South African Weather Service [SAWS] has extended its heat wave forecast in Gauteng until this week. 

Since last week some parts of the province have been experiencing high temperature, over 30 degrees. 

Heat wave conditions with persistent high temperature is expected over Joe Gqabi, Matagieke local municipality of Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Free State, North West province and in places over the Northern Cape. 

Gauteng is expected to be fine and warm to hot, becoming partly cloudy with isolated showers and thunderstorms in the evening. The expected UVB sunburn index is very high.

Experts are warning South Africans to be also vigilant as snakes escapes the heat into houses.

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Strenuous outdoor labour can also be fatal under these conditions, as it was reported five farm workers in the Northern Province succumbed to the heat in January.

Being too hot isn’t just comfortable, it can be dangerous or even fatal. Heat stress can lead to headaches, dehydration and nausea. Exposed to high temperature for extended periods can be fatal, especially for the old and infirm.