Heatwave expected to hit Pretoria

Pretorians can expect a heatwave with soaring temperatures of about 37 degrees this week.

The South African weather service (Saws) has extended a heatwave warning to the eastern and southern parts of Gauteng.

Saws spokesperson Lehlohonolo Thobajana said these extremely hot and dry conditions will continue to prevail over a large part of the Highveld through to the weekend.

“When we have a condition where we have an average temperature of the hottest month lasting over three days consecutively with hotter than an average temperature, that’s when we have a heatwave.

We are going to have a heatwave over the central and the southern parts. It will start heating from the Free State, southern parts of Gauteng as well as the eastern parts of North West,” Thobajana said.

Temperatures are expected to register maximums in the high 30s with no immediate prospect of relief in sight.

The Saws has recommended that South Africans ensure that they stay hydrated and out of direct sunlight or remain indoors between 11:00 and 15:00.

The heatwave comes as water utility Rand Water and the major metros in the province have a serious difficulty supplying water to residents.

Here are a few tips to survive the heatwave:

– Take it easy and don’t overexert yourself

– Only go outside during the coolest time of the day: usually early in the morning and evening

– Stay hydrated by drinking enough water

– When outside, seek out shade

– Wear loose, lightweight clothing

– Take cool showers

– Learn to recognise the signs of heat stroke: headache, nausea, dizziness, fainting

Critically injured woman airlifted after Pretoria east accident

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram