Scorching heat wave still gripping Gauteng
Johannesburg will reach 34 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, January 25 and temperatures in Pretoria reaching 36 on Wednesday, January 25.
Brace yourselves for a few hot days in Gauteng.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) released a weather advisory of a heat wave making its presence in Gauteng.
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In their advisory they warn that very hot temperatures will result in uncomfortable conditions over the Gauteng province, and areas like the West Rand, City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Sedibeng and Ekurhuleni will likely be affected from Monday, January 23 until Tuesday, January 24.
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The SAWS further said that extremely high temperatures affects a human’s ability to cool their bodies through sweating, and this can be a real threat that leads to heat related illnesses like hypothermia, heat stroke and respiratory conditions.
They added that in an extremely hot environment, the serious health and safety concern is heat stroke.
Gauteng Weather also posted an alert on their Twitter page, saying that the worst of the heat lies ahead in the coming week, with the hottest day in Johannesburg being 34 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, January 25 and temperatures in Pretoria reaching 36 on Wednesday, January 25.
According to Web MD heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency.
They gave the following symptoms for heat stroke:
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Behavioural changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
They also gave the following cooling strategies:
• Fan air over the patient while wetting their skin with water from a sponge or garden hose
• Apply ice packs to the patient’s armpits, groin, neck, and back. Because these areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body temperature
• Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water
• If the person is young and healthy and suffered heat stroke while exercising vigorously – what’s known as exertional heat stroke – you can use an ice bath to help cool the body
• Do not use ice for older patients, young children, patients with chronic illness, or anyone whose heat stroke occurred without vigorous exercise. Doing so can be dangerous
