Schools in South Sudan closed following extreme heat wave

The government has threatened to take action against schools that will defy the orders to close. [Gregorio Borgia/AP]

All schools in South Sudan have been closed for at least two weeks following an excessive heat wave that has hit the country.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Health advised parents to keep their children indoors are the temperatures are expected to soar to 45 degrees Celsius.

"Extended periods of high day and night-time temperatures create cumulative physiological stress on the human body which exacerbated the top causes of death globally, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases," the statement read in part.

At the same time, Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng has advised the locals to keep their homes cool, hydrate and to seek medical help anytime they feel sick.

The South Sudan government has also warned that any school that will remain open during the two weeks will risk having its registration withdrawn.