Warning: Heatwave hits these parts of South Africa Today

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned that a heatwave is expected in these parts of SA Today. Here is more information.

Residents in the affected areas were advised to stay indoors and keep cool.

According to the SAWS, Pretoria and Vereeniging would be the hottest areas in Gauteng, with a predicted maximum temperature of 35°C.

These Areas Will Be Affected By The Heatwave:

  • Thabazimbi
  • Modimolle/Mookgopong – Vaalwater / Vaalwater
  • Modimolle/Mookgopong – Mookgopong / Mookgopong
  • Bela-Bela
  • Elias Motsoaledi / Groblersdal
  • Dr JS Moroka / Nokaneng
  • Ephraim Mogale / Marble Hall
  • City of Tshwane / Pretoria
  • Thembisile Hani / Tweefontein
  • Steve Tshwete / Middelburg
  • Mogale City / Mogale City/Krugersdorp
  • Msukaligwa / Ermelo
  • Victor Khanye / Delmas
  • Ekurhuleni / Kempton park
  • City of Johannesburg / Johannesburg
  • Govan Mbeki / Secunda
  • Dipaleseng / Balfour
  • Pixley Ka Seme / Amersfoort
  • Lekwa / Standerton
  • Merafong City / Merafong/Carletonville
  • Victor Khanye / Delmas
  • Rand West City – Westonaria / Westonaria

These Areas Will Also Experience High Temperatures

High temperatures are also set for these areas:

  • Musina (38°C)
  • Lephalale (37°C)
  • Tzaneen (36°C)
  • Potchefstroom (36°C)
  • Vryburg (36°C)
  • Rustenburg (37°C)
  • Mahikeng (35°C)
  • Bloemfontein (35°C)
  • Upington (35°C)
  • Kimberley (36°C)

Parts of KwaZulu-Natal will also reach a maximum of 39°C in Pietermaritzburg and 37°C forecast for Richards Bay.

‘Keep Out Of The Heat If Possible And Stay Hydrated’

“Keep out of the heat if possible. Stay in the shade, especially between 11:00 am and 15:00 pm. Wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes. Avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Stay hydrated (with water).”

SAWS

The potential impact of the heatwave includes:

  • Heat stroke.
  • Heat cramps.
  • Heat exhaustion due to prolonged exposure or physical activities.

Here Are Some Ways To Stay Cool:

  • Stay hydrated – When you’re hot and flushed, hydrating yourself is the first and foremost step to cooling down. 
  • Take a cold shower or bath– Taking a cold shower or bath helps cool your body by lowering your core temperature. 
  • Use cold washrags on your neck or wrists – Place a cold washrag or ice bags (packs) on your wrists or drape it around your neck to cool your body. These pulse points are areas where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you’ll cool down more quickly.
  • Close your curtains or blinds – If you have windows that face the sun’s direction in the morning through afternoon, close the curtains or blinds over them to keep the sun from coming directly into the house and heating the inside.
  • Enjoy frozen treats – Eating an ice pop or ice cream to cool down may help for a moment. But don’t go overboard on the sugar if you’re overheated or at risk of being overheated.

Source: The South African