Pretoria braces for another week of heatwave conditions

Pretoria is bracing for another scorching week as the heatwave intensifies, driven by a high-pressure system that is creating extreme temperatures and dry conditions.

According to Vox Weather, the heatwave continues to grip parts of North West, Limpopo, the Free State, the Eastern Cape, and the Northern Cape this Monday and is expected to return to Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the rest of Limpopo from Tuesday.

It explained that a dominating high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere north of South Africa is driving the extreme heat and dry conditions.

“As it shifted southwest, it extended scorching conditions into the Northern Cape. This system forces air to sink, compress, and heat up, creating scorching temperatures and suppressing cloud formation.”

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Vox Weather added that scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible throughout this week in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

“Only isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible over parts of North West and the Free State. Mostly the eastern regions.”

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

– Avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest time of the day.
– Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
– Use sunscreen, wear light, protective clothing, and find shade.
– Ensure children, the elderly, and pets are in cool environments and have access to water.
– Plan your days carefully, stay cool, and prepare for another intense week of heat. Relief may be brief, so take precautions to protect your health.

If a surface is too hot for your barefoot, it’s too hot for your pets; the SPCA said while urging pet owners to keep their animals indoors as scorching temperatures are expected.

The SPCA warned that leaving your beloved animals in a hot car – whether parked in a shaded area with the windows rolled down – can be fatal.

The animal welfare organisation called on the public to report animals in hot cars to the SPCA or police after hours.

White-faced dogs are advised to be kept indoors, and pet-friendly sunscreen should be applied to pink noses, ear tips, and hairless areas.

The SPCA also added that pet owners of short-nosed dog breeds should pay extra attention as this breed does not pant effectively and is more susceptible to heatstroke.

• Signs of animal heatstroke (that requires immediate veterinary treatment):
• Dark red gums
• Excessive or exaggerated panting
• Weakness
• Drooling
• Rapid heartbeat
• Unresponsiveness to surroundings
• Vomiting

“The rule is simple, if a surface is too hot for your barefoot, it’s too hot for your pets,” the SPCA said.

Before you reach for the leash consider these simple tips:

• Check the pavement before your walk. Place your hand or bare foot on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your skin, then it’s most likely too hot for your pet.
• Walk during cooler times of the day. Avoid taking walks during the hottest time of the day. Instead, opt for walks in the early morning and late evening when the pavement is cooler.
• Keep midday walks short and shady. If you’re taking your pet out during the day, be sure to keep walks short. Choose a route with lots of shade and grass patches.
• Skip the asphalt entirely and choose to walk your dog strictly on grass or hiking trails.
• Consider outfitting your dog’s paws with booties to help keep the heat from burning their tootsies.
• If you have a longer adventure planned, be sure to bring water and take frequent breaks.

How to tell if a pet’s paw pads are burned:

• Pet appears to be in pain and showing signs of discomfort. If your is pet holding up a foot, limping, vocalizing, licking or chewing at the feet or is not wanting to walk.
• Pads are damaged if you notice a change in colour, typically they’ll be darker and will change from pink to red.
• Pet’s paw pads that are burned will be visibly damaged with blisters, ruptured blisters, and redness, and pieces of pads are missing.

First aid for burned paws:

• Bring your dog inside right away, or to a safe cool place. Carry your pet if necessary.
• Flush the foot with cold water or use a cold compress.
• Try not to let your dog lick the injured pad.
• Consult your veterinarian.

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