KwaZulu-Natal severe thunderstorm alert while hot, humid conditions to persist

KwaZulu-Natal is facing persistently hot and humid conditions with severe thunderstorms also being forecast for parts of the province this week.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an impact-based Yellow Level 2 warning for western parts of KZN, where severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail resulting in localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements are expected.

In addition to the storm threat, the central and eastern parts of the province are experiencing hot and humid weather that will result in very uncomfortable conditions.

Government, through its communications issued on Wednesday, warned that the current hot weather is part of a broader pattern of extremely high temperatures affecting several provinces.

Citizens have been urged to take basic but critical precautions to deal with the heat, including:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if not feeling thirsty.
• Avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day between 11:00 and 16:00.
• Remaining indoors in cool or shaded areas where possible.
• Limiting strenuous outdoor activities.
• Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and using hats or umbrellas to reduce heat exposure.

Special emphasis has been placed on the protection of vulnerable groups. Government has called on communities to check regularly on the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses, who are particularly at risk during extreme heat events.

Farmers and outdoor workers have also been cautioned to adjust working hours and take frequent breaks to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Authorities have confirmed that government continues to work closely with SAWS and disaster management structures to monitor conditions and provide timely updates, urging residents to follow official weather updates and heed all warnings issued by the SAWS.

The extreme heat has also prompted renewed concern about water safety. A seven-year-old child drowned in a KZN Midlands dam earlier this week.

Lifesaving South Africa has warned that the ongoing heatwave, following recent flooding in several provinces, could significantly increase the risk of drowning.

The organisation stated that the current heatwave following on the back of intense flooding in various provinces could present conditions that add to the risk of drowning as individuals may not be able to assess the risk and their own swimming abilities before entering the water.

With high temperatures increasing the temptation to swim, Lifesaving South Africa stressed that “swimming should only take place at safe and supervised aquatic environments, preferably patrolled by lifeguards, adding that at no time should swimming take place at unpatrolled areas or when lifeguards are not on duty.”

The organisation further cautioned that many people are not able to identify rip currents nor the risks that swollen rivers pose, warning the public not to take a chance as these conditions make for very dangerous situations.

Meanwhile with regard to the storm threat, residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing low-lying bridges or flooded walkways.

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