Heatwave alert: Cape Town residents urged to take precautions
South African Weather Service warns of very hot and uncomfortable conditions expected to affect parts of the Western Cape, with temperatures reaching the mid to high 30s.
Image: File
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has urged residents to take precautions after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a heatwave advisory affecting parts of the Western Cape this week.
The advisory is valid from Monday, March 9 at 8am until Friday, March 13 at 8pm, with persistently high temperatures expected across parts of the province.
According to SAWS, heatwave conditions are expected over western parts of the Namakwa district as well as west and south-western areas of the Western Cape from Monday, spreading to the Little Karoo, Central Karoo and western parts of the Garden Route districts from Tuesday through to Friday.
Daytime temperatures in some areas could reach the high 30s and low 40s, raising concerns about heat-related health risks.
Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan said residents should be mindful of the potential impacts of prolonged heat, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre reminds the public to please be mindful of the forecast and the potential heat-related impacts, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and infirm, and pets,” Lategan said.
The South African Weather Service has issued a heatwave advisory for parts of the Western Cape from March 9 to 13, warning of persistently high temperatures and potential health risks.
Image: SAWS
She advised residents to limit exposure to direct sunlight where possible.
“Where possible, stay out of direct sunlight, drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and wear a hat where possible, if you must be out and about. Also, wear light clothing and seek out shaded areas or areas with air-conditioning,” Lategan said.
SAWS warned that extremely high temperatures can reduce the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, potentially leading to or heat stroke, which can be fatal without immediate medical attention.
Residents are also encouraged to stay well hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and take precautions to stay cool.
Heat warnings are not uncommon during Cape Town’s late summer months. In previous advisories, the South African Weather Service warned that prolonged high temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, heat stroke and veldfires if precautions are not taken.
Authorities have also warned that higher temperatures increase the risk of veldfires.
“Please exercise extreme caution around open flames and remember to report any sign of fire, or any other emergency to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700,” Lategan said.
The City has also directed residents to its online guide on how to cope with extreme heat.