The intense heat affecting large parts of South Africa (SA), particularly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, has been linked to broader climate change patterns as temperatures remain unusually high.
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) issued a heatwave advisory for northern parts of the province earlier this week. Although the advisory is set to be lifted today, forecasters warn that temperatures will remain high, just below official heatwave thresholds.
SAWS forecaster Ayanda Nsele said areas in the north of the province are still expected to experience very hot conditions.
“Over the past few days, SAWS issued a heatwave advisory. For example, today in areas such as Ladysmith, we are expecting maximum temperatures of around 38°C, and about 39°C in Ulundi,” Nsele said.
She explained that while the formal heatwave alert is ending, residents should not expect a significant drop in temperatures.
“As much as we are ending the heatwave advisory today, it does not mean temperatures will drop. It simply means that maximum temperatures are falling below the threshold we use to classify a heatwave. Conditions will still remain fairly warm into next week,” she added.
Nsele urged members of the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and take necessary safety precautions as the hot weather persists.
–ChannelAfrica–
