By Duncan Mlanjira
Persistent temperatures in the range of 30oC to 35oC are expected in bulk of central Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) in the next five days, says a statement issued by SADC Secretariat on Monday, October 28.
It says maximum temperatures reaching the heat wave thresholds are expected in central parts of SADC Region where it is expected to experience temperatures above 35oC over a consecutive period of three days and occasions where temperatures have a high probability to exceed 40oC.
“Extreme south-eastern Angola, north and eastern most parts of Botswana, eastern half of Eswatini, south-western parts of Madagascar, southern Malawi, most of Mozambique, extreme north eastern Namibia, eastern fringes of South Africa, south and eastern Zambia, northern fringes and southern half of Zimbabwe will have a high probability to experience a heatwave during the period of 25 to 31 October 2019.
“Most of the central parts of the SADC region stretching from southern Angola through eastern Namibia, Botswana, most of Zambia, Zimbabwe, southern Malawi to northern Mozambique and southern Tanzania are in a Heatwave Watch category.
“Western Madagascar is also in a Heatwave Watch category for a potential heat wave during the forecast period of 25 to 31 October 2019.
“For parts of the region where there is a high probability for a heat-wave to be experienced, there is need to adhere to all the health advisories provided by local institutions in member states.
“Precautions are advised in these areas to avoid heat related health problems, such as heat stroke amongst others.
“Users are encouraged to consult the National Meteorological and Hydrometeorological Services (NMHSs) in the SADC member states interpretation and the relevant national institutions.
“The next advisory will be issued dependant on a sustained high temperature forecast expected to occur in more than a single SADC member state,” says the statement released by SADC Secretariat’s Climate Services Centre in Gaborone, Botswana.
Meanwhile, a weather update in Pakistan alerts people that due to increase in temperature in the coming days, motorists should not fill petrol to the maximum limit.
“Please fill the tank about half and allow for air,” says the alert.