Weather Alert: Heatwave expected in Gauteng starting today

The South African Weather Service has warned of soaring temperatures as a heatwave is set to sweep through parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng, and Limpopo from Monday.

The heatwave is expected to persist until Saturday with some regions reaching a high of 40. Extremely hot temperatures are expected in the northern parts of Limpopo with Musina reaching a 42°C by the end of the week.

A heatwave with persistently high temperatures is expected over the central and south-eastern parts of the North West and the northern parts of the Free State until Wednesday,” said SA Weather Service as per The Citizen.

“Extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions are expected in the Lowveld of both Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the Valley and Bushveld of Limpopo and the northern parts of Gauteng on Wednesday.”

For Pretoria, Monday will see maximum temperatures of 34°C with clear skies. No rain is expected throughout the week for the capital city. Extremely hot conditions with temperatures expected to hit 38°C by the end of the week.

Heatwave in Gauteng and four other provinces, sa weather

In Johannesburg, isolated thundershowers are predicted for Thursday with a maximum of 30. Temperatures rise to 34°C and 36°C on Friday and Saturday respectively.

To protect yourself during a heatwave, you should:

• Keep your body cool and hydrated.
• Keep your home cool.
• Protect infants and children.
• Stay out of the heat. Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the ay.
• Stay in the shade. Remember that reported temperatures are measured in the shade, and it can be 10-15˚C hotter in the sun.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity if you can. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which can be in the morning between 04:00 and 07:00
• Do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles. 
• Move to the coolest room in the home, especially at night.