TZANEEN: Scorching heat ‘melts’ residents

But stay “cool” there is some minimum degrees of relief to the maximum seriousness. Thunderstorms and some rain is predicted.

According to the SA Weather Services,  Tzaneen can experience 39 Degrees Celsius today.

Letaba Herald took the prediction outside our offices and in one of our  journalist’s vehicle…the prediction is not far out. But the car is parked in the shade though. 36 degrees.

That aside, the weather service did issue a warning of severe heat.

And hot it is. Scorching.

‘Well someone left the oven door open in the bakery,’ Letaba Herald overheard a resident passing our offices.

Air-con’s running, coffee put aside and glasses filled with ice water and other cool refreshments parade in many offices on many desks at the moment.

The Accu Weather forecast for Limpopo and Tzaneen in specific, predicts a 51% chance of a thunderstorm or two for our area today.

But then again, a prediction is just a prediction, and all hope for cooler conditions  seems to be positive for Friday with temperatures predicted at 27 degrees and on Saturday at 30 degrees.

Cooler conditions with thunderstorms in spots are also predicted.

On a lighter note, or shall one say in ‘minimum degrees of maximum seriousness,’ if you struggle to fall asleep tonight and would rather feel like slouching down with a bucket of ice cream in you refrigerator, stay on your bed and do it the like an Egyptian.

Because those Nile-dwellers knew how to do it right. The so-called ‘Egyptian Method’ involves dampening a sheet or towel in cool water and using it as a blanket. It is  recommend to  lay the damp sheets on top of a dry towel to avoid soaking the mattress.

Heat can affect your health more than you might think.

Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures can lead to worsening of heart problems, respiratory difficulties and can also cause heatstroke.

ER24 offers the following tips:

• Stay well hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
• Keep a close eye on babies, the elderly and children. Ensure they stay well hydrated as well.
• Remember to ensure pets have a cool place to relax and cool clean water to drink as well.
• Try to stay out of direct sunlight.
• Wear the appropriate clothing and ensure you use sunscreen.
• Limit participation in outdoor activities. If you plan on participating in outdoor activities, ensure you rest and keep hydrated.
• If you are going to spend time in a pool, ensure your safety and that of children around you. Ensure that they are supervised while around and in the pool.
• Do not leave children and pets in a vehicle even with a window open.

Severe heat stroke or exhaustion signs or symptoms include the following:

• Severe headache
• Weakness or disorientation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Severe thirst

A few tips for coping in hot weather:

• Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside.
• Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
• Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
• Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors.