In a statement, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned the Gauteng heatwave would, in all likelihood, deliver sweltering conditions all week.
What’s causing the Gauteng heatwave?
South Africa’s highveld interior has been baking in weather temperatures in the upper regions of 30℃ since Sunday, 2 October 2022, and according to the weather authority, there is “no immediate prospect of relief in sight.”
The above-average weather has affected many parts of North West, northern regions of Free State, Gauteng as well as Mpumalanga.
The consecutive spell of unusually high temperatures compelled the SA weather service to declare a heatwave.
“Whilst this term is commonly used worldwide, the meteorological agency for each country will typically customize their definition of a heatwave, to suit local conditions,” the weather service explained.
In South Africa, a heatwave is declared when “the maximum temperature at a particular station should reach or exceed the average maximum temperature for the hottest month, for three or more consecutive days.”
By definition, a heatwave occurs as a result of long periods of dry, cloud-free weather. With temperatures getting hotter by the day, an anticyclone dominates the weather pattern of a particular region, in this case, South Africa’s highveld interior.
“Such systems inhibit thunderstorm development, but perhaps more importantly in this case, the sinking air heats up quite dramatically,” SAWS explained.
Gauteng weather forecast for Friday, 7 October 2022
Current meterological readings suggest the Gauteng heatwave will likely remain in place until Friday, 7 October, with maximum temperatures expected to slightly drop to 32℃.
While light spats of drizzle could wash over regions of Gauteng that border Free State, like Vanderbijlpark and Carletonville, no rainfall is expected on Friday.
Gauteng residents will have to find alternative cooling measures and try, at best, to remain indoors, as wind speeds are expected to carry the hot weather at average maximum speeds of 17km/hr.
The SA weather service will continue to monitor the daily meteorological readings of the Gauteng heatwave. However, based on Ventusky readings, extremely hot temperatures could persist for much longer than anticipated.
Precautions you should take during a heatwave
Since the behaviour of the weather is, for the most part, out of our control, here are a few precautions to take during a heatwave:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly
- Avoid over-exertion when exercising
- Infants and small children should be regularly supplied with fluids
- Wear a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses when outside
- Apply sunblock to all exposed skin when spending time in the sun
- Stay indoors or in shade, out of direct sunshine between the hours of 11:00 to 15:00.
