Keep safe from severe El Niño heat

Some years bring severe droughts while other years bring heavy rainfall. One contributing natural climate phenomenon that influence these patterns is El Niño weather conditions.

According to Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) in the City of Ekurhuleni, this weather pattern inculcates extreme heatwave, negatively affecting existing open water stream sources to dryness, intense moisture evaporation, and when it rains, excessive thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and hail, with possibilities of damage to structures and vegetation.

In instances of dryness, the temperature quantifies extreme high levels of heat above average, measured either in degrees Celsius ( C), Fahrenheit ( F) or Kelvin systems.

Elevated temperatures soar well above normal, raising the threat of severe heatwave, heat-related illnesses and increased water evaporation from dams, rivers streams, and soil subjecting vegetation to dryness. Possibilities of veld fires are high in the middle of the summer season.

These elevated temperatures affect winds and atmospheric circulation, with possibilities of drastic change in rainfall patterns and reduced summer season rains.

El Niño distorts weather patterns into extremes of severe droughts or violent floods. DEMS stated it fundamentally alters human lives, health and societal stability. It triggers a domino effect directly affecting human survival.

Due to El Niño 2026/2027 summer season, DEMS shared the following safety information:

Health emergencies and heat illnesses:

Severe heatwaves exceeding 35 C to 40 C and above directly trigger heat exhaustion, heat stroke and cardiovascular stress.

Such temperatures aggravate chronic medical conditions which might result in loss of lives.

Outdoor workers, children, athletes and the elderly face life threatening medical conditions.

Dehydration:

It is a physical condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids and water than it takes in. The imbalance disrupts the delicate balance of essential electrolytes.

Body cells, tissues and organs cannot carry their normal metabolic processes.

Sign and symptoms:

• Thirst

• Sticky or dry mouth

• Polyuria (frequent urination)

• Dark yellow concentrated urine

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Rapid heart rate

• Fainting.

Heat exhaustion:

Clinical syndrome by body overheating, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures accompanied by severe dehydration from heavy sweating.

The body loses excessive water and essential salts known as electrolytes straining the cardiovascular system.

Signs and symptoms:

• Heavy, profuse sweating

• Rapid weak pulse

• Dizziness, light-headedness

• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

• Muscle cramps or weakness

• Cool, pale and clammy skin

• Headache and intense thirst.

Heat stroke:

It is the shutting down of the body’s internal cooling system whereby the body core temperature rises to 40 C or above. This severe overheating can rapidly damage life sustaining organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys.

Signs and symptoms:

• Hot and dry skin

• Fast and strong pulse rate

• Nausea

• Rapid shallow breathing

• Vomiting

General treatment:

• Drink water to rehydrate

• Drink sports drinks to replace electrolytes

• Do not wait until you feel thirsty to consume fluids

• Outdoor personnel should drink one cup of cool water every 15 to 20 minutes

• Outside workers in hot weather conditions must balance heat dissipation with essential safety and sun protection

• Eye protection requires balancing light radiation filters, fog resistance and heat ventilation

• In case of emergency, move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing and have them sip cool water or an electrolyte drink if conscious

• Apply cold, wet towels to the neck

• Avoid carbonated or fizzy drinks.

• Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine drinks

• Prevent children from playing in a hot environment

• Refrain from strenuous activities

• Affected patients require hospitalisation for further medical treatment.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 011 458 0911 (charged at normal call rates), 10177 (toll free from a land line) or dial 112 (free from any cellphone).