WITH temperatures set to soar into the 40s today (Thursday), Zululanders – and much of KZN – are in for a rude awakening and a somewhat abrupt start to summer after the glorious winter and spring temperatures of recent months.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) yesterday issued a warning of the hot and humid conditions expected across KZN, particularly in the northeast.

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For the Zululand region, Richards Bay, Pongola and Hlabisa are set to record the highest temperatures, at 41 degrees, with Hluhluwe forecast for 40 degrees, and Empangeni, Gingindlovu and Mtunzini all set for 39.

Exposure to high temperatures can lead to physical discomfort, fatigue and heat stroke.
The young and the elderly, and those with a compromised health status are vulnerable to negative health impacts from exposure to high temperatures.

All precautions must be taken during the heatwave, including keeping fluids up by drinking lots of water, staying out of the sun, and wearing a hat and applying sunscreen if working outdoors.

The SAWS also issued a fire alert for KZN, as these high temperatures and breezy conditions lead to extremely high fire danger risks.

From tomorrow though, temperatures start to decline, dropping into the low 30s and as low as the high teens on Sunday.