Gauteng heatwave: Residents warned to stay out of the sun and hydrate

Gauteng residents have been warned to brace for a heatwave across several parts of the province.

The South African Weather Service (Saws) said hot temperatures were expected in the province from Wednesday.

“Heatwave conditions resulting in persistently high temperatures, exceeding average maximum are expected in places over Gauteng and the eastern parts of the North West until Friday.”

The mercury is expected to hit the high thirties in some areas.

High temperatures

Johannesburg

Temperatures in Johannesburg are forecast to start off at a minimum of 12°C becoming very hot and reaching a high of 35°C on Friday.

Pretoria

Pretoria is also expected to be hot with scorching temperatures starting with a minimum of 15°C becoming very hot and reaching a high of 37°C on Friday.

The SA Weather Service also warned of an extremely high UV index.

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Emergency services

Meanwhile, Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) has taken note of the heatwave conditions.

Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi has urged residents to take precautions.

“It’s extremely hot in most parts of the City of Johannesburg. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, drink lots of water and stay away from direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm in the afternoon.

“Those who are working directly in the sunlight are urged to take regular breaks and the elderly who are on medication to stay in cool areas because exposure to this extremely hot temperatures can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, “Mulaudzi said.

Mulaudzi said they will remain on high alert for any eventuality during the scorching weather conditions.

Load shedding

While the hot weather is also likely put pressure on the electricity grid as people use various appliances, including aircons, to keep cool, Eskom has kept load shedding at bay.

The parastatal suspended load shedding until 4pm on Wednesday.

According to the power utility’s latest update, the rolling blackouts will return to stage 1 in the evenings, with day-time suspension until Friday. This pattern will repeat until further notice, Eskom said.

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