Heat Wave:Western Cape, West Coast District, Cape Winelands and Little Karoo. (6 February - 7 February 2012)

HEATWAVE WARNING NOW ACTIVE

A heatwave warning has been issued by the SA Weather Service for the Western Cape amid warnings of extreme temperatures over the next two days.

• Warning: Take action
• Subject: Heat wave,High discomfort,FDI, Extremely hot temperatures.
• Detail: VALID: 06-02-2012 WARNINGS: 1. A heat wave with persistently high temperatures is still persisting in the West Coast District, Cape Winelands,and Little Karoo. 2. Extremely uncomfortable humid conditions are expected in the West coast district,Cape Winelands, Cape Metropole,in places over the Eden district 3. A high veldfire danger rating is expected in places in the West coast district, Cape Winelands, Cape Metropole and the southern part of Namakwa district. 4. Extremely hot conditions are expected in places in the West coast district, Cape Winelands, Little Karoo and Breede River Valley.

Daytime highs of 40 Deg/C is forecasted in areas. It will remain warm at night in many areas.

Please be on the lookout for fires in the Western Cape and report them to the emergency services as soon as possible. This will assist fire fighters to extinguish the fire as soon as possible thereby preventing it from spreading and getting out of control. The reaction time is absolutely crucial. One of the recent fires burned for nearly 6 days before being extinguished.

All indications are that this summer might be warmer than the past couple of years. With climate change, heatwaves are likely to become more common over the next few decades and the public should take note of this.

Heatwave guidance

Consecutive hot days could be dangerous for people with heart and respiratory problems and in extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Ozone can be a big problem for those with breathing problems but although levels can be high during the day in a heatwave, they drop at night so staying indoors in the middle of the day can help. Keeping the home as cool as possible during hot weather and remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential.

The elderly and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during hot weather and the most oppressive conditions occur in our towns and cities.Windows should be kept shaded and closed when the temperature is hotter outside than inside.

Heat exhaustion can cause muscle cramps, low blood pressure, rapid pulse and nausea. It can be treated at home, by drinking water, getting into an air-conditioned room or sitting in front of a fan and misting the body with cool water. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.

It is very important that older people look after themselves in the warm weather.

Older people, especially those on medication, can often find coping with the heat particularly difficult.

To avoid the effects of the heat wave it is very important to avoid any unnecessary exposure to the sun during the hottest periods of the day, between 11am and 4pm.

- SAWDOS