The Mother City is in for another heatwave this week, accompanied by a heightened risk of fires, the SA Weather Service warned on Friday.

“People will feel uncomfortable,” said forecaster Carlton Fillis. “And it will be very difficult for firefighters to bring fires under control.”

The heatwave, with humidity and temperatures as high as 40 degrees celcius in places, is expected along the West Coast, Cape Metropole, and northern parts of the Northern Cape.

The risk of sunburn is also very high.

Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the north western parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape West Coast. To complicate things, gale-force south-easterly winds of 65km/h are expected between False Bay and Table Bay from Friday afternoon.

Cape Town’s disaster risk management urged people to:
– stay hydrated, especially the old and infirm;
– stay out of direct sun and stay indoors in a cool room with a fan if possible;
– avoid strenuous outdoor activity;
– wear lightweight clothes;
– listen to the radio or watch television for warnings;
– be extremely cautious with cigarette butts and braai fires;
– swim only in designated areas when going to the beach;
– avoid alcohol on the beach;
– braai in designated areas only and extinguish the fire completely before leaving;
– refrain from lighting camp fires;
– obey disaster risk management officials.

Tourists not used to extreme heat should be on the watch for:
– swollen ankles;
– skin inflammation;
– dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea and fainting.

If there is an emergency or distress call:
– The 107 from a Telkom line;
– Call 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. News24