With temperatures expected to continue dropping on Saturday, residents in Tshwane are urged to take precautionary measures while trying to keep warm to ward off the cold snap.
The South Africa Weather Service has warned of intense cold and wet conditions in Gauteng and surrounding provinces this weekend.
Spokesperson for the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department Lindsay Mnguni said the cold front started to sweep through many parts of the country on Thursday and was expected to last until Sunday.
He said that according to weather forecasters, the country would experience an intense cut-off low-pressure system that would bring cold, wet and windy conditions to southern and eastern South Africa this weekend.
Possible snow and scattered thunderstorms, with cold to very cold daytime temperatures of between 8°C and 12°C, were predicted for parts of Gauteng.
Mnguni said: “The cut-off low-pressure system is expected to weaken and exit the country from Saturday afternoon. Daytime temperatures are expected to recover quickly from Sunday into Monday.”
He urged the public to take precautionary safety measures when burning charcoal to keep warm.
He cautioned about the dangers of going to bed while leaving charcoal in the house, saying it could spell disaster if left unattended because it emitted deadly amounts of carbon monoxide.
Mnguni advised the public and small stock farmers to take the necessary precautions before the expected adverse weather hit, to ensure the safety and well-being of their animals.
In the event of any fire danger exposure to dwellings, like shacks or houses, vegetation or veld fires, the public could call the toll-free number 107.
Mnguni said people must guard against using fuels that were not designed for their heating units.
“Improper use of space heaters, such as izimbawula, braziers and electric, gas and paraffin heaters, should be avoided. Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out (no controlled burning will be approved during this period),” he said.
Pretoria News
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