Early forecasts indicate that Pretoria could see its first post-winter temperature of 30°C later in the new work week.

VoxWeather forecaster Michelle Cordier explained that from Thursday, warm air from the tropics will move over the northeastern parts of the country, with temperatures rising above thirty degrees.

“This warm air is due to a trough stretching over the western interior, helping to transport warm air from the north of South Africa to the northeastern parts of the country.

“Additionally, there is a dominant high-pressure system in the upper air over Zimbabwe and Mozambique, extending over Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, and Mpumalanga. The dominant high-pressure system in the upper air traps the warm air at the earth’s surface.”

🔥🥵 EARLY FORECAST SUGGESTS FIRST POST-WINTER TEMPERATURE OF 30°C FOR BOTH JOBURG & PRETORIA LATE IN THE NEW WORK WEEK!!!

— Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) September 8, 2024

Here are some safety tips to prepare for a heatwave:

• Drink plenty of water: Water remains your best option to cool down during a heatwave. Hot weather means more sweating, which can become a health concern. Staying hydrated can also help regulate your temperature as it cools down your body.
• Plan outdoor activities properly: Adventuring during hot weather can be a challenge. You should plan your outdoor activities carefully to avoid the impact of the heat. For instance, you can schedule your outdoor activities for the times of the day when it’s a bit cooler than the rest.
• Ensure you wear light clothing: Clothing like synthetic clothing can help regulate your body temperature. Another thing you should consider is using sunscreen to protect against harmful sun rays on such days. However, there are days when the heat is unbearable, and you must avoid doing anything outside.
• Monitor your health: Did you know that heat can affect your health in several ways? Heatstroke can affect anyone. Additionally, it can lead to a medical emergency, causing organ damage and fatalities in some cases.

Here are some strategies you can consider to keep your house cool this summer:

• Close your curtains or blinds to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home.
• Turn off the stove and any major appliances that add heat to your space.
• Keep doors closed in unused rooms.
• Open the windows in the evening when the temperature outside starts to drop.
• Swap out your incandescent lights for LED, energy-saving ones.
• Limit Your Alcohol Intake