As South Africa faces a dual threat of oppressive heat and unpredictable thunderstorms, staying informed and prepared will be vital in navigating the challenges ahead.
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The South African Weather Service (Saws) issued warnings for a heatwave and thunderstorms for different parts of the country.
High temperatures are expected to hit the North West, Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State.
Saws said that a heatwave with persistently high temperatures is expected over the North West; the eastern and central parts of the Free State; Gauteng as well as southern parts of Limpopo; and the extreme south western parts of Mpumalanga.
Saws has also issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms with hail, strong winds and heavy downpours that could result in floods. Provinces expected to be impacted include: the Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo.
Isolated and scattered thunderstorms are expected over the eastern parts of the country
The thunderstorms can be expected to hit parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo.
Mostly warm to hot temperatures are expected but very hot temperatures are predicted over the central and northern parts of the country.
As the country experiences above-normal rainfall and high temperatures, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (Dalrrd) has advised farmers to put measures in place for pests and diseases associated with wet and hot conditions.
"Livestock should be kept in balance with carrying capacity of the veld and provided with additional feed such as relevant licks," the department said.
"Additionally, livestock should be provided with enough water points on the farm as well as shelter during bad weather conditions."
The department said that veld fires have been reported in several provinces and the risk remains, especially in summer rainfall areas, until sufficient rain is received.
Plus winter rainfall areas are drying out which makes conditions more favourable for veld fires.
Therefore, the creation and maintaining of fire belts should be a top priority as well as adherence to veld fire warnings.
"Episodes of heatwaves have occurred as well as localised flooding and remain likely for the remainder of summer," the department said.
"Therefore, preventive measures should be in place. Farmers are encouraged to implement strategies provided in the early-warning information issued."
IOL
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