Is El Niño behind the heatwave gripping three SA provinces?

El Niño has contributed to the heatwaves affecting KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

The weather service has warned that persistently high temperatures will continue in parts of the three provinces.

Heatwave conditions will persist until early next week.

El Niño contributes to rising temperatures

According to EyeWitnessNews, SAWS forecaster Andre Fourie said the El Niño weather phenomenon has played a role in the current heatwave conditions.

“The heatwave does have something to do with the El Niño; it is indicating that it’s already in it strong state so therefore, we were expecting this above normal temperatures going into summer. El Niño would possibly contribute to those higher temperatures that are resulting in the heatwave conditions.”

Fourie also urged residents in affected provinces to take extra precautions to stay cool during the heatwave.

How long will the heatwaves last?

According to SAWS, the heatwave advisories are expected to remain in place until different dates across the three provinces.

Parts of the Chris Hani, OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo district municipalities in the Eastern Cape will experience persistently high temperatures until Saturday, 17 October.

Northern KwaZulu-Natal could experience heatwave conditions until Sunday, 18 October.

Meanwhile, parts of Mpumalanga, excluding areas along the Escarpment, face persistently high temperatures until Monday, 19 October.

How to stay safe during the heatwave

Residents should drink enough water, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.

Children, older people and those with existing health conditions may face a greater risk of heat-related illness.

SAWS has urged residents to follow the latest weather updates and take precautions while high temperatures persist.