HEATWAVE expected the entire week

Heatwave conditions are also expected in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. Temperatures are expected to push the mercury into the thirties, SABC News reported. 

WARNINGS  

The expected weather conditions could lead to heat exhaustion and hyperthermia. A huge concern is uncontrollable, runaway wildfires. 

Johannesburg Emergency Services has urged residents to take precautions and to stay hydrated.

Robert Mulaudzi, Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services spokesperson, advised that residents should avoid sun exposure especially during the hottest part of the day, according to IOL.

“Residents are urged to exercise caution when conducting daily activities, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, avoid direct sunlight especially between 11am and 3pm, take regular breaks when working directly into sunlight, exposure to this extremely hot temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, heat cramps which might lead to heat stroke,” he said.

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PRECAUTIONS AND SYMPTOMS

Residents should limit outdoor activities during the heatwave. Wearing loose clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, remaining in the shade as much as possible, and avoiding strenuous activities are also encouraged.

Mediclinic warns that heatstroke is a life-threatening condition in which the body’s heat-regulating system fails due to exposure to high temperatures. Signs of heatstroke include confusion, irritability, and a rapid pulse. Other symptoms include weakness, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and muscular pain. In severe cases, it may lead to unconsciousness and that could be fatal.

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