Second heat wave hits Zululand this weekend
Farmers or employers are urged to adjust working hours for their employees and engage in less strenuous work during the hottest parts of the day to prevent hyperthermia, especially heat stroke
Many South African provinces have experienced the discomfort brought by the recent heat wave.
THERE is no reprieve from the scorching temperatures yet, as Zululanders must brace themselves for a second heat wave that will extend over this weekend until Tuesday.
ALSO READ: Record-breaking temperatures expected in KZN as heatwave intensifies
Despite the cooling down of temperatures into around 30 degrees Celsius on Friday, maximum temperatures will sore back up to above 35 degrees Celsius in most places over the weekend.
From previous years of forecasting experience, this scenario when occurring inland is usually associated with mid-summer dry spells that are due to the dominance of the mid-tropospheric high-pressure system (normally dubbed as the Botswana Upper High-BUH) resulting to subsidence over southern Africa.
This results in stable conditions which lead to the hot conditions and no precipitation in affected areas.
Unfortunately, Zululand is a coastal area which then may experience hot and humid conditions as have been mostly experienced during this period. The dry conditions may at some point be exacerbated by the landfalling tropical cyclone (TC) Cheneso that has made landfall to the north east of Madagascar and thus enhancing divergent flow (strengthening BUH) and stable conditions.
The subsidence and hot temperatures will continue due to TC Cheneso located east of 40°E. On a positive note, TC Cheneso is likely to dissipate because of orographic friction as it makes landfall over Madagascar and its rainfall might not affect South Africa.
Employers urged to adjust working hours
In light of the above and the fatal catastrophe that occurred in Northern Cape where seven farm workers died from heat stroke, workers in Zululand should exercise extra caution during the day.
Farmers or employers are urged to adjust working hours for their employees and engage in less strenuous work during the hottest parts of the day to prevent hyperthermia, especially heat stroke.
Zululanders will seek the comfort of the cool beaches during the day. However, this is the time when the ultraviolet (UV) index is at its maximum and can cause more heat, skin-related illnesses.
Besides the preventive measures that can be taken, beachgoers or citizens participating in outdoor activities should be wary of the harmful effects of direct exposure to UV.
Please apply sunscreen lotions or wear appropriate or protective clothing and sun hats.
Most importantly, never leave children or pets in closed, hot spaces such as cars and please ensure that they are not exposed to UV too.
It is unfortunate that load-shedding may also affect production, but employers, especially farmers are urged to help save loss of life from heat stroke during this heat wave period over Zululand.
Please take heed and note that SAWS advisories/warnings are readily available on www.weathersa.co.za and through the various media platforms.
*Dr Marshall L Mdoka is a senior lecturer and meteorologist and Nkosinathi Xulu is a lecturer and PhD candidate in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Zululand.
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