Cape town: The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning regarding a heatwave set to impact the Western Cape and Northern Cape regions, with temperatures expected to reach very hot to extremely hot levels this week. These conditions are anticipated to follow a period of cooler weather, with temperatures predicted to exceed the average of the hottest month by at least 5°C for three or more consecutive days.

According to South African Government News Agency, the heatwave conditions began on Monday and are expected to persist until Friday. The phenomenon is attributed to a strong, slow-moving high-pressure system in the upper levels of the atmosphere, which causes the air to sink and warm as it descends, resulting in increased surface temperatures. Additionally, an offshore wind flow along South Africa’s western coastline will accompany this system.

The SAWS forecasts temperatures ranging from 36°C to 42°C across the coastal areas and adjacent interior of the Northern Cape and the western parts of the Western Cape, starting from Monday. The peak temperatures are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday in the western parts of both provinces, with the heatwave extending to parts of the Central and Little Karoo on Tuesday.

Residents are advised to remain cautious of the prolonged hot weather, which poses health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. To mitigate these risks, the SAWS recommends several precautionary measures: staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours, wearing loose and light-coloured clothing, seeking shade or well-ventilated areas, monitoring vulnerable individuals, avoiding leaving children or animals in parked cars, and refraining from strenuous physical activities during the hottest parts of the day.

The weather service will continue to monitor the system closely and provide updates as new information becomes available. The public and relevant authorities are urged to heed official weather warnings and advisories from reliable sources.