A heat wave is expected in the north-east of the Western Cape and the north of the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, warns the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
The heatwave is also expected to continue until Thursday in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Prolonged exposure to the midday sun poses health risks, dehydration and heat stroke,” the weather service said.
Some tips for beating a heat wave, according to ER24:
- Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Keep an eye on babies, parents and children. Make sure they stay hydrated too.
- Remember that pets have a cool place to relax and drink clean and fresh water.
- Try to keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Wear appropriate clothing and make sure you use sunscreen.
- Limit participation in outdoor activities. If you plan on participating in outdoor activities, make sure you rest and stay hydrated.
- If you are going to spend time in the pool, ensure the safety of the children around you.
- Make sure they are supervised when around and in the pool.
- Do not leave children and pets in the vehicle, even with the windows open.
The weather service has also issued an alert for very high fire danger in the north-west and central parts of the Northern Cape as well as the extreme west of the North-West.
Weather forecast for Wednesday
Gauteng: Partly cloudy and warm. Desired UVB sunburn index: very high.
east: Partly cloudy to cloudy and warm, but hot in the lowveld, with isolated showers and thunder along the north-east escarpment.
Limpopo: Partly cloudy to cloudy and warm, but hot in places in the north. Showers and thunderstorms are expected.
Northwest: Partly cloudy and hot, with isolated showers and thunderstorms except in the east.
Free State: Partly cloudy and warm to hot, with scattered showers and thunderstorms except in the east and northeast.
Northern Cape: Partly cloudy and warm to hot but cool along the coast. It will be very hot to very hot in the northeastern interior. Isolated rain and thundershows are expected in the interior in the afternoon. Winds along the coast will be moderate to fresh from south to southwest.
Also read: Heat wave remains in Eastern Cape and KZN until Thursday
Western Cape: Fog along the coast and adjacent interior areas in the morning, in addition to cloudy and warm to hot but very hot in places in the east. Showers and thunderstorms can be expected in the east and east of the south coast in the evening.
Winds along the coast will be light from north to northwest in the west and southwest becoming moderate from west to southwest in the evening. Along the southern coast it will be bright south-east to south-west in the evening. Expected UVB sunburn index: Extreme.
Western Half of the Eastern Cape: Fine and warm to hot, becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Winds along the coast will be light from E to SE, becoming moderate SW in the evening.
Eastern Half of the Eastern Cape: Nice and warm to hot. It will be partly cloudy in places in the afternoon with isolated rain and thundershows in the evening west of Kei River. Winds along the coast will be light southwesterly to moderate northeasterly in the evening.
KwaZulu-Natal: Partly cloudy and hot. Winds along the coast will be moderate northeasterly becoming fresher in the north from the evening. Expected UVB sunburn index: Extreme.