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Gauteng weather: Heatwave warnings issued

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Heatwave conditions with extremely high temperatures expected over Gauteng.

gauteng weather heatwave warnings issued

It’s still supposed to be Spring but that memo went missing. According to the South African Weather Service, heatwave conditions are expected across large parts of Gauteng this week and will more than likely last until the weekend.

Residents can expect temperatures to range between 33 and 36 degrees. The SAWS says the heatwave is due to the dry conditions we’ve been plagued with recently.

Temperatures are expected to rise to 33 degrees in Hammanskraal and Pretoria on Monday with Johannesburg clocking in at 32 degrees and Springs at 30 degrees.

It will steadily increase over the weekend, with temperatures of 35 degrees forecasted on Friday. It will begin to cool down again on Saturday, with a 27% chance of rain on Sunday.

Pretoria will get the brunt of this heatwave, with temperatures peaking at 37 degrees on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, it will drop down to 30 degrees, with a 30% chance of rain.

Residents are warned to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 10:00 and 15:00, and to drink plenty of water. To maintain an adequate level of hydration, it is advised to drink more water than you would typically consume.

Thirst is the first sign of dehydration so drink enough fluid before you start feeling thirsty. It would be best to avoid coffee and alcoholic drinks as these could cause dehydration.

Another tip is to soak your feet in buckets of cold water. Soak towels in ice water and place these on your shoulder.

Hot air rises so avoid upper stories, and stay away from extra sources of heat such as incandescent light bulbs or appliances.

And if you’re a pet owner, remember that they will also be affected by the heatwave. Remember to leave enough water out for them, and a cold, damp towel on the floor will help keep their body temperatures down.

Take them to the vet if they are panting rapidly, drool excessively, vomit, if their skin is overly warm and their muscles twitch.

Source: The South African

Cheryl Kahla by Cheryl Kahla

 

 

 

Summer Care for Horses

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horses

Summer Care for Horses

As the summer heat sets in, it’s important to take extra care of our equine friends. Here are a few tips to help keep your horse healthy and happy during the summer months.

Flies
Flies will probably bother your horse the most during the summer months. Use Fly spray regularly, morning and evening to keep those pests at bay. Another way to combat the flies is a fly mask, making sure the fit is not too loose or too tight.

Skin Care
Use sunblock on white or pink areas of your horse. Applying sunblock once a day should be sufficient.

Remember to check that your sunscreen is safe for use on horses’ skin. Zinc-Oxide (used by lifeguards) is horse friendly and water-resistant.

Hydration
Make sure your horse stays hydrated and always has access to potable water. Also make sure water is placed in a shaded area.

Your horse may need extra salt intake and a good way is to provide it with a salt block, Himalayan Salt is also very good.

Keeping Horses Cool
Make sure your horse keeps cool and always has access to shelter even if it is in the form of a nice big tree when your horse is out pasturing.

Have good airflow if your horse is stabled, and place a fan inside the barn or stable if need be to increase airflow on those extra hot and stifling days.

A quick rinse after a hot ride will also cool your horse right down.

Healthy Horse
Be sure that your horse is in good health before heading out on a summer ride. Consider riding in the early morning or in the early evening when it is cooler.

Summer is a great time to spend more time with your horse. The weather is nicer, and you can take advantage of the longer days to ride more often. However, it’s important to remember that horses are susceptible to heatstroke and other health problems in the summer months. Use the tips above to ensure a happy summer for both horse and rider.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA