Heat warning to EC schools and labourers

Areas hitting 100 or more on the heat index have had to stop school sport and hard labour.

SAWS forecaster in Port Elizabeth, Garth Sampson, said the heat index hit a “very uncomfortable” 95 in East London this morning, but in Port Elizabeth it went above 100, which is classified as “extremely uncomfortable”.

He said: “Most of the Eastern Cape is experiencing a discomfort level of ‘very uncomfortable’ (above 90).”

Sampson urged the public to:

• Stay indoors in a cool room near a fan if possible;
• Take extra care of the old;
•  Listen to the radio or TV for warnings;
•  Cease strenuous outdoor activity if advised;
• Avoid playing sport;
•  Dress in lightweight clothes; and
• Drink plenty of liquids not alcohol.

Many areas along the Garden Route, such as Plettenberg bay, George and Mossel Bay had risen above 100 and  Uitenhage and Addo were also “extremely uncomfortable”.

There was some respite when a shift in wind direction dropped temperatures at the Port Elizabeth Airport, but many of the outlying areas were still baking with high discomfort levels.

Sampson explained discomfort levels and heat waves: “When temperature and humidity are high at the same time, humans’ ability to cool their bodies through sweating are reduced. This can be a real threat.”