SA Weather Service issues extreme heat warning for Western Cape

Posted by Taylah Strauss on 21 January 2022

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued another extreme heat warning, forecasting a heatwave in the Western and Northern Cape until January 23.

Boland and surrounding towns, including Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch could see temperatures soar above 44-degrees.

Paarl is expected to reach 41-degrees Celsius on Friday, 44-degrees on Saturday, and 42-degrees on Sunday.

Franschhoek is expected to reach 34-degrees on Friday, 40-degrees on Saturday, and 38-degrees on Sunday.

Stellenbosch is expected to reach 31-degrees on Friday, 37-degrees on Saturday, and 34-degrees on Sunday.

Sunshine heat

Heatwaves pose numerous threats, such as hyperthermia or a heat stroke, both of which can be fatal if medical attention is not administered promptly.

Extreme heat also dries out vegetation and could contribute to veld fires.

Those in the affected areas are encouraged to prevent prolonged sun exposure, and if outside, to wear sunscreen at all times. SAWS also urges everyone to remain hydrated and to ensure that their pets have a readily available water source.

SAWS has also advised individuals to not leave children or pets in locked cars, as this could quickly become dangerous.

In addition, SAWS has also issued a yellow level 2 warning for the Northern and Western Cape for damaging waves.

Strong winds will cause rough and choppy seas with quick steep waves, reaching four to five-metre wave heights. During the evening, these wave heights are expected to increase. These conditions are expected to subside by January 2022; however, individuals are advised to remain cautious.

These waves can lead to difficulty in navigation for small vessels, putting them at risk for capsizing. Localised disruptions of small harbours and localised damage to coastal infrastructure is possible.

Beachfront activities may also be halted. Those with small vessels are advised to store them at inlets, bays, or harbours.

Picture: Unsplash

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