If ever you’ve wanted to travel to the Middle East or the Sahara Desert, you might get a little taste of the sweltering weather conditions this weekend in the Western Cape.
Temperatures are expected to surpass 40-degrees in some parts of the region while Boland and surrounding towns, including Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch could see temperatures soar above 44-degrees.
According to The South African, new data released on Friday reveals that the Western Cape might just claim the title of “the hottest place on Earth” on Saturday, 22 January while countries like Australia will reach highs of only 38-degrees.
The South African Weather Service has also issued an extreme heat/heatwave advisory which said that residents can expect a “very hot weekend” with yellow level 2 warning for waves.
The “public should expect beachfront disruptions and take care when going to the beach [on] Saturday morning,” the SA Weather Service said.
Extreme heat/heatwave advisory: W & N Cape: 20 – 23/01/2022
Expect very hot weekend – W & N Cape this weekend and with yellow level 2 warning for WAVES (see post). public should expect beachfront disruptions and take care when on going to the beach Friday and Saturday morning. pic.twitter.com/o2oECxPIhB— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 20, 2022
Here are a few tips to beat the heat:
- Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Keep a close eye on babies, the elderly and children. Ensure they stay well hydrated as well.
- Remember to ensure pets have a cool place to relax and cool clean water to drink as well.
- Try to stay out of direct sunlight.
- Wear the appropriate clothing and ensure you use sunscreen.
- Limit participation in outdoor activities. If you plan on participating in outdoor activities, ensure you rest and keep well hydrated.
- If you are going to spend time in a pool, ensure your safety and that of children around you.
- Do not leave children and pets in a hot vehicle, even if a window is left open.
Meanwhile, the NSRI and all water emergency networks are appealing to the public to be safe in and around coastal and inland waters and at swimming pools.
This comes as a result of the high temperatures coupled with rough seas and high sea swells, due to a recent Southern ocean storm, and the tail end of the recent full moon Spring Tide.
“If you are caught in a rip current don’t panic, stay afloat using the air in your lungs for natural buoyancy and tread water, moving your arms and legs in circular movements, to keep your head above water. Go with the rip current, do not try to swim against the current. Call out for help. At your first opportunity swim across the beachfront until you are free from the rip current and then use the incoming waves to get to the beach,” the NSRI advises.
To report a water emergency call 112 from your cellphone or call 0870949774.
If you spot a fire along the mountain, please call the Table Mountain National Park emergency number on 086 110 6417, or 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone.
Also read:
Escape the heat and crowds with these 5 incredible beaches around Cape Town
Picture: Pixabay