Areas in the Northern Cape are battling a heatwave.
While the capital, Kimberley reached a high of 37 degrees on Sunday, Upington was just shy of forty at 39 degrees.
Heatwave conditions are expected to continue for at least another week.
Two years ago, five farm workers in the Kakamas area died from heatstroke.
It’s a day for umbrellas, ice cream, big shady trees and swimming pools. With temperatures soaring, people are finding ways to cool down.
“I think the best way to end it is just to relax in your pool have a nice and easy day try lots of sunscreen stay hydrated with some water or maybe something else cold beverage just put sunscreen on and relax,” says Whitley Jossie, resident.
“The heat is severe. It’s like you can make an egg outside put it on the roof and 123 it will be done,” says Marlene Swanlow, resident.
Health professionals advise people to avoid direct sunlight, to stay hydrated and to seek medical assistance if they show symptoms of heat stroke.
“I came to swim because I was very exhausted. I felt very dehydrated and I came to you the public swimming in Lakasie. The weather is extremely hot,” says resident Letlotlo Moraladi.
Another resident Tshepiso January added: “…reason why we came to swimming is because of the heatwave. Kimberley is very hot. People are getting hot outside, so they decide to come to the pool.”
Meteorologist Axinia Sethabela says the heatwave is symptomatic of typical summer conditions.
“…Even though we have observed an increase in daytime temperatures as compared to the past, the public is advised to stay hydrated and to stay in shaded areas.”
There’s no reprieve for at least another week with temperatures reaching low to mid-forties in Kimberley and Upington on Tuesday.
