Brace for the hottest Summer in history

Following the hottest November in history, South Africans should not breathe a sigh of relief just yet. The World Meteorological Organisation says that 2024 was the hottest year worldwide and, consequently, South Africa’s summer is expected to be the hottest in history.

Additionally, temperatures in many parts of South Africa are expected to reach the upper thirties on Saturday. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “With this warning in mind try reschedule non-urgent trips for when the weather cools. Life, however, does continue despite the weather so avoiding the car completely is impossible. In these instances, take precautions to ensure it does not affect your safety on the roads.”

• Avoid travelling during peak traffic or heat times. Try leaving earlier or later to avoid gridlocked traffic.
• Use your air-conditioner. Open windows cannot regulate the temperature as well as an air-conditioner. If you do not have an aircon, avoid driving during peak heat times.
• Stay hydrated. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, lack of energy and even fainting which become even more dangerous if it occurs while you are behind the wheel. If you think you are dehydrated, rather ask someone to help you seek medical care than continue driving through it.
• Keep your car maintenance up to date. Ensure coolant is adequately topped up.
• Check your tyre pressure. Underinflated tyres cause more friction and therefore heat. Additionally, in certain instances, overinflated tyres – particularly if they were compromised by hitting potholes – can experience a blowout as air expands with heat.
• If your engine starts to overheat, pull over immediately and call for assistance. Driving further can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
• Wear sunglasses while driving to protect your eyes from UV rays. Polarised lenses are most effective at reducing glare and improving visibility when driving into the glare.
• When you park, try select a shady spot or use a sunshade to protect your hands from getting burnt when you return to the vehicle. The steering wheel and seats can easily reach temperatures over 40⁰ Celsius. In 35-degree Celsius temperatures the interior can reach 47⁰ Celsius in just an hour.

Of particular concern is leaving pets or children in hot cars. “Temperatures in cars can reach deadly levels in less than an hour, without a heat wave. Within that time an adult can suffer third degree burns and a child can die. Even cars parked in the shade are dangerous, it just takes slightly longer. Never leave your child or pet in the car, even if only for few minutes.

Follow these tips over the next few days as the temperature continues to rise. “After that, keep them in mind as the weather remains unusually hot for the reminder of summer,” says Herbert.