Heatwave conditions predicted to continue this week
With some respite over the past weekend, forecasts show that temperatures from Wednesday onwards might exceed the threshold values for another heatwave.
Regional weather forecaster Gauteng Weather predicted possible heatwave conditions from Wednesday this week.
Last week the South African Weather Service (SAWS) announced that the heatwave will persist “with no immediate prospect of relief in sight”.
With some respite over the past weekend, forecasts show that temperatures from Wednesday onwards might exceed the threshold values for another heatwave.
Temperatures this week are expected to reach 34°C on Monday, 32°C on Tuesday, 35°C on Wednesday, 35°C on Thursday, and 36°C on Friday.
Since Sunday, October 2, Pretoria and parts of North-West, Free State, Gauteng and Mpumalanga have been experiencing extremely hot and dry conditions, registering maximum temperatures in the high 30s.
The heatwave came amid stage 2 water restrictions as increased demand during the heatwave put pressure on the water supply system across Gauteng.
The SAWS declares a heatwave in South Africa when “the maximum temperature at a particular station should reach or exceed the average maximum temperature for the hottest month, for three or more consecutive days”.
For Pretoria, the threshold values for a heatwave to be declared are temperatures exceeding 34-36 degrees for three or more days.
A spell of dry, cloud-free weather over a few days caused temperatures in the interior of the country to rise incrementally higher every day. The SAWS also said that this feature was blocking the arrival of tropically sourced moisture in the air and delaying the summer rains in South Africa.
The SAWS advised people to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly and to avoid over-exertion during the peak of the day.
Infants and small children, as well as pets and the elderly, are especially vulnerable to the effects of heatwaves and should be supplied with fluids and avoid over-exertion between 11:00 and 15:00.
They also advised residents to wear hats and eye protection from the sun and to regularly apply sun protection when spending time in the sun.
ALSO READ: What to do about the extreme heat?
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