‘Uncomfortable’: High temperatures in Northern and Western Cape

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an extreme heat/discomfort advisory for the Northern and Western Cape provinces.

The advisory is valid from Tuesday, 14 November until Wednesday, 15 November.

EXTREME HEAT IN NORTHERN AND WESTERN CAPE

The weather service a broad surface trough will be dominating the Western Cape and the Namakwa district in the Northern Cape on Tuesday and Wednesday. This will result in hot to very hot and uncomfortable weather conditions.

“Temperatures are expected to be in the high 30s and reaching 40 degrees Celsius. Such weather conditions can result in health effects, and it’s essential to take the necessary precautions,” the weather service said.

POSSIBLE IMPACTS:

• When temperature is extremely high, human’s ability to cool their bodies through sweating is reduced. This can be a real threat that leads to hyperthermia.
• In an extremely hot environemnt, the most serious health and safety concern is heat stroke. Heat stroke can be fatal if medical attention is not available immeiately.
• If a heat wave occurs during a drought, which dries out vegetation it can contribute to veldfires.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating. This is usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 degrees Celsius) or higher. The condition is most common in the summer months.

“Avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun as far as possible and drink plenty of water. Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Never leave kids in the car unattended. Make sure your animals have access to enough water.”South African Weather Service

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