SA Weather Service: no chance of rain anytime soon

POLOKWANE – A heatwave is currently being experienced in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

The South African Weather Service issued a heatwave warning on Monday for the three provinces and warned the high temperatures will continue over the weekend.

A heatwave is classified as a period in which an area has temperatures exceeding 5º Celsius more than the standard temperatures.

Review spoke to Elizabeth Webster from the South African Weather Service who explained how a heatwave is caused.

“A heat wave is caused by high pressure in the upper atmosphere. Sinking air then heats up and causes a dome which caps the hot air and when this happens over a certain region for several days, a heatwave occurs as the hot air remains trapped,” Webster explained.

With temperatures reaching up to 40º Celsius in some parts of the province and temperatures are expected to reach 36º Celsius today (Thursday). Webster states there is no chance of rain occurring any time soon.

Being exposed to high temperatures can affect your health and it is important to remain hydrated and to keep cool. Common problems relating to a heatwave include heat stroke, exhaustion or heat rash. Symptoms of heat stroke include severe thirst, weakness or disorientation, severe headache, nausea and vomiting as well as muscle cramps. To avoid these symptoms try and stay out of the sunlight during the hottest times of the day which is from 12:00 to 16:00. It is also important to keep an eye on babies, children and the elderly to ensure they stay well hydrated.

Also keep an eye on animals, make sure they have enough water to stay hydrated and a cool place where they can rest, especially if they are kept outdoors. (Limpopo heat wave: dangers of leaving a child/pet in a hot car)

The heatwave is expected to pass by next week.