Heatwave alert: Joburg residents urged to stay cool as temperatures soar above 37°C

Heatwave

Cape Town – The City of Johannesburg Emergency Services has urged residents to stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight as a heatwave brings temperatures exceeding 37°C this week.

The South African Weather Service has issued alerts for extreme heat across most parts of the country, with the highest temperatures expected in eastern regions.

Residents are advised to remain indoors, stay in cool areas, and drink plenty of water, especially during peak heat hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“Residents are urged to stay hydrated, drink lots of water, stay in cooler places, avoid direct sunlight especially between 11am and 3pm in the afternoon as exposure to that extremely hot weather can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and stroke,” SABC quoted EMS’ Robert Mulaudzi as saying.

According to The Citizen, the country faces a persistent heatwave with temperatures expected to soar to 40°C or higher in some regions, lasting until mid-December.

Key areas affected include parts of Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and the North West. Cities such as Musina and Phalaborwa could reach 43°C this week, the report said. 

Experts, including the South African Weather Service and meteorologist Annette Botha, warn of health risks like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

The heatwave is attributed to a combination of El Niño–Southern Oscillation-neutral conditions, weak La Niña tendencies, and climate change. These factors, coupled with less cloud cover and increased solar radiation, are driving temperatures up to 10°C above average.

Botha said that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record globally, with South Africa experiencing above-normal temperatures. Residents are urged to take precautions as the extreme heat continues.

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