Prepare for Monday scorcher

Although the weather is still a bit inconsistent, summer has announced its arrival in the form of a few scorchers already recorded across the Zululand region.

And next week will be no different as Pongola is set to be one of the hottest towns in the region, bracing for a 38-degree Celsius start to the week on Monday followed by a torrid 40 degrees on Tuesday.

Wednesday will see a significant drop in temperatures as the mercury will ‘plummet’ to a low of 18 and a high of 29, bringing with it relief in the form of afternoon thunderstorms, followed by a cool, wet 21 degrees on Thursday.

A similar trend will be seen across the region, as Hluhluwe braces for a 35-degree Monday followed by a scorching 37 degrees on Tuesday, with a cool, wet 26 and 19 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, while Mtubatuba will enjoy a ‘mild’ 30 and 31 on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

Further south, Richards Bay will soak up a hot 35 degrees on Monday, followed by a scalding 36 on Tuesday and a wet 24 degrees on Wednesday; Empangeni residents should brace for 36 degrees on Monday, a bearable 31 on Tuesday and a cool, wet 24 on Wednesday.

Remember to stay hydrated at all times; stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day; and cool off with a cold bath or shower when possible.

Ensure your pets have access to shade and plenty of water in a shaded area so the water doesn’t get hot, and never leave an animal, child or elderly person in a locked car in the heat, even for a short time.

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