Experts warn that record high temperatures could affect mental health and exacerbate pre-existing health conditions. They also offer tips to stay cool and navigate the sweltering temperatures.
While it is still early in the summer season to be certain, meteorologists are predicting that South Africa could experience its hottest summer on record. This comes as 2024 is set to become the hottest year globally since reliable measurements began in the late 19th century (1880s), marking the first time the planet surpasses the critical 1.5°C warming threshold above pre-industrial levels. “Current heatwave conditions and the ongoing global warming trend suggest that this summer could indeed be one of the hottest on record,” said chief meteorologist at Vox Weather Annette Botha…
Global trends becoming local realities
On 11 November, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) revealed that 2024 was on track to be the hottest year on record. Global temperatures are expected to reach 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels, marking the warmest year since reliable records began.
2024 on track to be hottest year on record, and first time world surpasses 1.5C
Annual global temperature anomalies relative to pre-industrial (1850-1900)
