Extreme Temperature Diary- Tuesday November 28th, 2023/Main Topic: South Africa Battles a Brutal Heatwave

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The main purpose of this ongoing blog will be to track extreme, or record temperatures related to climate change. Any reports I see of ETs will be listed below the main topic of the day. I’ll refer to extreme or record temperatures as ETs (not extraterrestrials).😉

Main Topic: South Africa Battles a Brutal Heatwave

Dear Diary. Meteorological spring is about to become meteorological summer across the Southern Hemisphere, so hotter times are ahead for that half of the planet. Before then climate change has made life brutal for spring, which should be a time of refreshing weather bringing hope to many. Instead in South Africa conditions have been very torrid with weather misery being felt by many in that country. I know that people there and across the southern half of our planet are dreading what summer will bring.

You guessed it, a strong, record heat dome is centered over South Africa:

Maximiliano Herrera reported that one station had an all-time maximum for the month of November for the entire continent of Africa:

Here are other outstanding African records from recent days:

Here are more details from BNN:

South Africa’s Heatwave: Impacts and Safety Measures (bnn.network)

South Africa Battles Severe Heatwave: Impact and Measures

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By: Mazhar Abbas

Published: November 27, 2023

The heatwave that has held South Africa in its blistering grip for the past week shows no signs of relenting, warns the South African Weather Service (SAWS). Regions across the country are bracing themselves for persistently high temperatures, severe enough to escalate to extreme fire danger conditions in several areas.

Shifting Weather Patterns and High-Risk Areas

Weather patterns are predicted to vary across different provinces, with isolated thunderstorms expected in some areas. The UVB sunburn index is anticipated to be dangerously high. While the precise severity of the heatwave is contingent on several factors, municipalities across the country are preparing for a challenging week ahead. The heatwave is set to peak on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring into the high thirties in certain regions.

Impact on Electricity Demand and Public Services

This surge in temperature has a knock-on effect on the country’s electricity demand, primarily due to increased air conditioning usage. The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has issued safety precautions to help residents cope with the heatwave. Amid this crisis, the national power provider, Eskom, has reported a drop in load shedding levels, a piece of news that provides a glimmer of hope to beleaguered residents.

Health Risks and Safety Measures

The South African Weather Service has not only issued warnings regarding the duration of the heatwave but has also highlighted the potential health risks posed by such extreme weather. The public is being urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and take all necessary precautions to avoid heat-related health issues. Additionally, the heatwave’s impact extends to pets, with safety tips being disseminated to ensure their well-being during this trying period.

As South Africa weathers this heatwave, it is essential that information about the severity of the situation, affected regions, and advisories from health and emergency services continue to be disseminated widely. The resilience of communities, the efficacy of public services, and the strength of the nation’s infrastructure are all being put to the test. But with informed action and collective responsibility, the risks posed by this heatwave can be mitigated.

Here are more “ET’s” recorded from around the planet the last couple of days, their consequences, and some extreme temperature outlooks, as well as any extreme precipitation reports:

Here is more new October and November 2023 climatology:

Here is More Climate and Weather News from Tuesday:

(As usual, this will be a fluid post in which more information gets added during the day as it crosses my radar, crediting all who have put it on-line. Items will be archived on this site for posterity. In most instances click on the pictures of each tweet to see each article. The most noteworthy items will be listed first.)

Today’s News on Sustainable Energy, Traditional Polluting Energy from Fossil Fuel, and the Green Revolution:

More from the Weather Department:

More on the Environment and Nature:

More on Other Science and the Beauty of Earth and this Universe:

If you like these posts and my work on record temperature ratios, please contribute via my PayPal widget on this site. Thanks in advance for any support. 

Guy Walton… “The Climate Guy”

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