POLOKWANE – As another heatwave hits the province and other areas of northern South Africa, temperatures are set to reach the 40º Celsius mark in some parts of Limpopo this week.
The heatwave comes as the country continues to suffer with devastating drought conditions which mostly affect the agriculture industry.
Heated conditions to continue and peak in December
Review spoke to Bransby Buno, a forecaster at the South African Weather Service, who said dry and extremely hot conditions are expected to stay until next week.
“No rain is expected for Limpopo anytime soon this week but there is a slight chance that there will be thunder showers by Monday,” he says. Heatwave conditions are expected until Friday with Polokwane reaching 37º Celsius on Saturday.
Residents are urged to keep out of the sun and stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke and dehydration. If you are out and about, make sure you wear cool clothing, hats and sunblock.
The warmer weather is thanks to the weather phenomenon El Nino which is the warming of the sea-surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean which influences atmospheric circulation, rainfall and temperatures in specific areas around the world.
On Wednesday, Pretoria recorded its highest ever temperature as it reached the 39º Celsius mark. These hot conditions are expected to intensify further and peak in December according to the South African Weather Service.
Water shedding might be on the cards
Polokwane Mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng said the Polokwane Municipality is at this point only considering water shedding, which national government has also alluded to.
According to Nkadimeng the reservoir levels are currently at zero and the city is operating with water that is in the system.
“We are reducing capacity in low catchment areas so that high catching areas like Bendor, Flora Park, Ster Park, Seshego Zones 2, 8, and surrounding areas can also have water.
“Areas in the low catchment will notice that the pressure will not be the same as normal. We will also have officials moving around giving on the spot fines.
“It is crucial that we use water sparingly in everything we do. We urge residents not to water their gardens, to not wash your cars, use a cup when brushing teeth, keep showers short and do not fill you bathtub when bathing,” Nkadimeng said.
