Week long heatwave expected

LIMPOPO – The South African Weather Service has forecast that a heatwave with “persistently high temperatures” expected to hit Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the eastern part of the North West for most of the week with temperatures in some areas reaching above 40 degrees.

🌈 #Limpopo 09 Nov@DStv Ch415 or visit: https://t.co/TpZh9PbL60@ShopPolokwane @curatePolokwane pic.twitter.com/zdVAGoknqu

— People°s Weather (@peoples_weather) November 9, 2015

According to report on SA Weather temperatures in Polokwane this week will be in the high 30s  – with Thursday reaching a high of 37°C.

Last week Limpopo was officially declared a drought disaster area by Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha.

Mathabatha said a thorough assessment of the drought situation found that all district and local municipalities in the province faced the worst drought conditions recorded in years.

“We therefore urge all residents of Limpopo to heed all calls to use water sparingly, respect water restrictions and observe all guidelines to save water.”

ER24 offers the following tips for coping in hot weather:

• Stay well hydrated by drinking a lot of water. (Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.)
• 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. 9Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors.)
• 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.
• 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. (Heat test within a parked car)
• Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside.

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

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

Saving water is a collective responsibility; let us therefore preserve this scarce commodity. More suggestions on how to save water, residents can visit  Water saving tips