WARNING: Unprecedented heatwave this week
JOBURG – The heatwave is expected to ease and see temperatures dropping slightly from 9 January onward.
South African Weather Services warned of a heatwave to grip parts of the country this week.
In a media statement the Department of Meteorological Services advised the public of an imminent, unprecedented heatwave expected to prevail on 7 and 8 January.
The heatwave is expected to break some records with temperatures expecting to reach maximums of between 40°C and 43°C.
However, the heatwave is expected to ease with temperatures dropping slightly by about 2 degrees over most parts of the country from 9 January onward.
“Notwithstanding these, isolated thunderstorms are expected to occur with a temperature dropping effect at some places,” read the statement.
The Department therefore advises members of the public to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from these adverse weather conditions.
These measures include among others:
• Drink more water regardless of your activity level
• Avoid prolonged stay under the sun, if at all possible stay under the shade
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella.
Forecaster Vanetia Phakula said they recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degrees in Pretoria, 34 degrees in Joburg and 35 degrees in Vereeniging on 5 January.
She further explained that they expect a maximum temperature of 41 degrees in Pretoria, 36 degrees in Joburg and 38 degrees Vereeniging on 7 January.
Details: South African Weather Services 012 367 6000.
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