‘Heatwave conditions’: Extreme Discomfort Advisory for the Western Cape

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued another Extreme Discomfort Advisory for the Western Cape on Wednesday, 30 November. The weather service issued the same advisory earlier this week and an extreme heat warning over the weekend.

READ:

• Weather: Rare ‘extreme discomfort advisory’ for the Western Cape
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EXTREME DISCOMFORT ADVISORY FOR THE WESTERN CAPE

According to the weather service, very hot temperatures in the Western Cape are expected to result in very uncomfortable conditions in the eastern interior of the province. On top of this, heatwave conditions are expected in the Beaufort West and Prince Albert municipalities on Thursday, 1 December.

The extreme discomfort advisory is valid from 8:00 until 20:00 on Thursday. The affected areas include Beaufort West, Prince Albert, Laingsburg and Oudtshoorn.

Residents are advised to avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun and keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

According to temperature forecasts from Ventusky, Beaufort West is expected to hit 38 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape will see 40-degree temperatures.

The potential impact of the high temperatures includes:

• Hyperthermia is possible as the human ability to cool the body through sweat is reduced in such conditions.
• Heat stroke is the most pressing concern in extremely hot environments. It can be fatal if medical attention is not immediately available.

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