A severe heatwave will continue today (October 19) with persistently high temperatures expected across parts of the Mpumalanga Highveld, the southern Mpumalanga Lowveld and the south-western Bushveld in Limpopo. 

Randfontein Herald reports that according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature in a specific town or city reaches or exceeds 5°C above the average maximum temperature of the hottest month for that location, and persists for three or more consecutive days. 

SAWS notes that northern Gauteng will experience hot conditions with a high ultraviolet sunburn index. The extreme south of the province will see partly cloudy and warm conditions, with isolated afternoon showers and thundershowers. 

Mpumalanga and Limpopo face extreme heat 

Mpumalanga is expected to be fine and warm to hot, becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon with isolated showers and thundershowers in the south and in the Lowveld, where conditions will be very hot. It will be windy over the Highveld. 

Limpopo is expected to be extremely hot in places across the Lowveld and the Limpopo Valley. 

Coastal storms predicted in Eastern regions 

Vox Weather adds that colder conditions with scattered showers and thunderstorms are spreading along the east coast into KZN, where damaging winds and severe storms are possible. 

Guidelines for staying safe in extreme heat 

Kempton Express shared guidelines on how to remain safe during severe heatwaves. 
 

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even before feeling thirsty. Avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine and very cold drinks that can cause stomach cramps. 

• Keep cool indoors: Close curtains, blinds, and windows during the hottest hours if the air outside is warmer than inside. Open windows in the evening or at night when outdoor temperatures drop. Spend time in the coolest room available or visit public air-conditioned spaces such as shopping malls or libraries. 

• Limit outdoor exposure: Avoid direct sun and strenuous physical activity or manual labour, especially between 11:00 and 16:00. Those working outside should take frequent breaks in the shade. 

• Dress appropriately: Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured, lightweight clothing. Protect skin and face with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and generous applications of sunscreen. 

• Protect vulnerable people and pets: Never leave children, older relatives or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a short time. Check in regularly on elderly neighbours, family members and anyone living alone. Ensure livestock and domestic animals have constant access to shade and clean, cool water. 
  
• Watch for heat illness: Know the signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which include dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness, heavy sweating or confusion. If these symptoms occur, move immediately to a cool place and seek medical help. 

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.