South Sudan has ordered the closure of all schools as it braces for a heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar to a scorching 45C (113F).
Authorities have advised children to stay indoors, warning that the extreme weather could persist for at least two weeks. Deaths “related to excessive heat” have already been reported, officials said on Saturday.
In parts of the capital Juba, residents endured sweltering conditions without electric fans on Monday, as the heatwave caused power cuts. The streets of Juba, home to over 400,000 people, were largely deserted in the afternoon, with local media reporting temperatures of 41C (106F).
It is unusually early for South Sudan to experience such high temperatures, as temperatures above 43C (109F) typically occur only in the summer months, according to the World Bank’s Climate Change portal.
Children in school uniforms were seen heading back home after schools were closed on Monday. The ministries of education, health, and environment announced the closure, citing “serious health hazards” for students.
While the ministries did not specify when schools would reopen, two teachers told the BBC after a briefing with authorities that classes would resume on April 3.
The heatwave has had a severe impact on Muslims observing Ramadan, as they are not permitted to drink water or other liquids to stay hydrated during the day. Muslims make up around 6.2% of South Sudan’s population.
South Sudan’s heatwave is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events across Africa, driven in part by El Niño, which has caused unusually warm waters in the east Pacific Ocean, disrupting global weather patterns and raising temperatures.
These events are occurring against the backdrop of climate change, with meteorologists worldwide observing an increasing number of temperature extremes. 2023 was recorded as the world’s hottest year on record.
South Sudan could experience some relief next week, with a few storms forecast in the southern region, which could help alleviate the intense heat.