Residents are being warned to take precautions as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a weather advisory for ‘very hot and uncomfortable’ conditions set to hit several parts of the Western and Northern Cape on Wednesday, 12 November, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to SAWS, daytime temperatures are expected to soar ‘over the interior of Namakwa (N. Cape), West Coast and Central Karoo districts (W. Cape), including Breede Valley and Oudtshoorn municipalities (W. Cape)’.
The weather service warned that ‘daytime temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 30s’, adding that while the advisory comes into effect from 8am until 8pm on Wednesday, 12 November, ‘these conditions may persist over the West Coast until Friday, but updates will be issued accordingly’.
‘Such weather can have significant health impacts, so it is essential to take necessary precautions to protect yourself,’ continued the advisory, with SAWS noting that ‘when the temperature is extremely high, humans’ ability to cool their bodies through sweating is reduced. This can be a real threat that may lead to hyperthermia’.
The advisory further warned that ‘in an extremely hot environment, the most serious health and safety concern is heat stroke’, which can be fatal if medical attention is not provided immediately.
Residents and travellers are urged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves, including staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during peak hours and monitoring vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly.
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Tauhira Ajam
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