Pretoria to be treated to a warm sunny weekend

This weekend is expected to see clear sunny skies with warm comfortable temperatures, according to the SA Weather Service (SAWS).

After a cool night, Friday will see a high of 32°C with a mild easterly wind. Saturday and Sunday lows will reach 17°C and highs will reach 33°C with mild easterly winds and moderate humidity, followed by lower humidity on Sunday.

Monday is expected to reach highs of 34°C with moderate winds in the morning.

No chance of rain is expected over the weekend.

With the perfect weather to get out of the house, Pretoria residents should be aware of a very high UVB index over the weekend posing an “extreme” risk of sunburn.

Xander Loubser, the spokesperson for Best Care Ambulance services, previously shared a few tips with Rekord on how to prevent sunburn:

Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) in it – 15 or higher before going outside. Use both UVA and UVB protection. You can ask your pharmacist which is the best on the market. “Sunscreen wears off, thus apply it hourly. Apply especially when swimming or sweating.”

Loubser said people should always check the expiration date of the sunscreen, and also store it at manufactured guided temperatures to prevent it from becoming ineffective.

Clothing

Wear clothing that can protect exposed skin. Darker clothes offer more protection than lighter clothes. Wear hats that can cover your whole face and if possible your neck and ears as well. Sunglasses with UV protection is preferable.

Shade

Look for a spot with a lot of shade when relaxing, especially during midday.

Loubser said another concern was dehydration in hot conditions.

“Especially if you are actively involved in playing games and running around. Thus, ensure that you have proper hydration (water) packed for your day outdoors.”

Loubser said decreased blood sugar levels were also a risk when actively playing games and running around. Ensure that you have enough energy bars and sugar packed for your day in the sun.

Turning to the treatment of sunburn, he said first-degree burns were characterised by severe pain, redness and warm skin. Second-degree burns manifested the same symptoms, but also featured blisters.

“It is recommended that such a person be transported to a hospital for fluid management. As ambulance personnel, we already initiate the fluid management upon arrival at the scene.”

Loubser said sunburn would not be discovered immediately, but only in the evening during the night or the next day.

He had the following advice:

– Do not open blisters.

– Do not apply foreign material to the burns.

– If a person collapsed, turn the individual on the side and perform CPR if necessary.

– Call emergency services.

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