Heat wave. (Photo: Freepik)
Residents of parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape can expect scorching heat in the coming week after the weather service warned that a heat wave could occur over the region from Monday to Friday.
According to the South African Weather Service, very hot to extremely hot conditions are forecast, with maximum temperatures reaching 36 °C to 42 °C in certain areas.
“The western and south-western parts of South Africa can expect very warm to extremely warm temperatures to return in the coming week, leading to heatwave conditions,” says the weather service.
A heat wave is characterized by a continuous period of at least three days or longer in which temperatures rise 5 °C or more above the average of the highest temperatures.
According to the weather service, the conditions are caused by a strong, slow-moving high pressure system in the upper levels of the atmosphere.
“The air in high pressure systems in the upper atmosphere descends and becomes warmer as it moves down, leading to higher temperatures on the Earth’s surface,” explains the weather service.
The system will also be accompanied by offshore wind flow along the West Coast of South Africa, which will further add to the heat.
The highest temperatures are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday over the western parts of both the Northern Cape and Western Cape. By Tuesday, the heatwave will also extend to parts of the Central and Little Karoo.
The weather service warns that the prolonged heat can pose health risks.
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“Residents are advised to be aware of the prolonged hot weather, which can lead to health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke,” the weather service said.
The public is advised to take precautions by, among other things, drinking enough water, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and wearing light, loose clothing. People should also stay in shaded or well-ventilated areas and take special care of vulnerable persons such as the elderly and infants.
The weather service further warns that children and animals should never be left in parked cars, not even for a short time, and that strenuous physical activities should be avoided during the hottest part of the day.
“The weather service will continue to closely monitor this system and issue updates as new information becomes available.”