Amid heatwave, Gauteng residents urged to stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight

JOHANNESBURG - With Gauteng temperatures soaring above 30° Celsius, residents have been urged to stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said the heatwave, which has hit parts of Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, will last until Sunday.

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has warned that extended sun exposure can lead to heatstroke.

Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi has further advised people to stay in cool, shaded areas, especially during peak hours.

“Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11 am and 3 in the afternoon. Those who are working directly in sunlight, take regular breaks because exposure to these extremely hot temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, heat cramps, which might lead to heatstroke. We also urge our residents to be aware of veld fires.”

Mulaudzi said teams are on standby for any emergency, including possible veld fires.