Johannesburg - Weather experts have warned South Africans to keep out of the sun during the current heatwave with temperatures expected to rise to 46 degrees celcius in some parts of the country.
South African Weather Service forecaster Vanetia Phakula on Wednesday said: “The high temperature will last until Thursday. We advise those working to take regular breaks and not stay in the sun for too long. The temperatures are still being monitored”.
Private medical care provider ER24 urged people, especially those on holiday, to make alternative plans to avoid heat exhaustion and strokes.
“On the 31st of December, a woman was airlifted off Table Mountain after having a heatstroke. Rescue technicians from Metro Rescue went up to where the woman was. The woman was in a critical condition. She was treated, stabilised and handed over to ER24 paramedics.”
ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing said residents need to monitor heatwave symptoms closely.
The symptoms include severe headaches, disorientation and muscle cramps.
“Severe heat exhaustion could lead to heatstroke and that may in turn result in a person losing consciousness, experiencing seizures or going into cardiac arrest,” said Bodasing.
“Symptoms may also include the absence of sweating due to dehydration and confusion. If these symptoms persist, medical assistance should be sought as soon as possible.”
African News Agency