Heat wave hits Joburg

Take precautions and stay out of the sun, particularly during the hottest hours of the day, the emergency management services has advised Joburgers.
WITH the mercury topping the 35-degree mark in Johannesburg and not looking ready to come down anytime soon, residents are urged to take precautions to avoid sunburn, heatstroke or collapse.

Blue skies over JoburgBlue skies over JoburgSynock Matoboko, a spokesperson for the City’s emergency management services (EMS), says it is important to be careful.

He urges people to take account of the immediate and more long-term concerns that result from too much exposure to the sun during a heat wave. They should try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. “If you go outside, you need to apply sun block, wear a hat and continuously rehydrate,” he advises.

Dehydration is a common symptom of a heat wave; to avoid dehydrating, all people should carry water with them at all times. Matoboko also recommends that people refrain from playing sport while the heat is at its worst, as dehydration sets in faster.

In addition to sports people, those particularly at risk during a heat wave are the elderly and young children. Matoboko counsels that fewer clothes should be worn, and that caretakers and parents should dress the elderly and young accordingly.

Also particularly dangerous to children is leaving them in locked vehicles, he warns. “It is very dangerous and is a no-no so do not lock a child in a car at any stage.”

Heat stroke can lead to fits and collapsing; if this happens Matoboko advises: “Use tap water and a damp cloth, rather than cold water from the fridge, to cool them down, but call EMS so that they can take the person to hospital to verify whether it is heat-related or from underlying causes.”

The numbers are toll free: call 10177 or 112 from a cellphone.

According to the South African Weather Service, temperatures in Johannesburg are expected to remain high throughout the week. A heat wave has been confirmed, and there is a high risk of veld fires.

On Tuesday, the temperature will reach 30 degrees Celsius with a four percent chance of rain. While temperatures are expected to stabilise somewhat between 24 and 27 degrees for the rest of the week, there is little chance of rain to cool the air.

For more information, visit the South African Weather Service website.