Extreme heat sometimes described as heat wave is a period of abnormally hot weather. A time period of five consecutive days is often used to define a heat wave. Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat our body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is an extended period of usually high temperatures and often high humidity that causes temporary modifications in lifestyle and may have adverse health effects on the affected population. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) defines extreme heat as a period during which the daily maximum temperature exceeds for more than five consecutive days the maximum normal temperature by 9 degrees Fahrenheit ( 5 degrees Celsius), the normal period being defined as 1961 - 1990. Extreme heat occur when high pressure in the atmosphere moves in and pushes warm air towards the ground, and it feels hotter, especially as the air warms up and is compressed. Extreme heat are common in summer when high pressure develops across an area. The rise in global temperatures due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere enhances the likelihood of extreme heat events. Because of global warming, the frequency, duration, and severity of extreme heat are predicted to increase in most parts of the world. The impacts of human health, regional economies, and ecosystems may be significant.
Since 1950, the number of extreme heat incidents worldwide has increased and the duration of these has become longer. Extreme heat impacts even otherwise heat-tolerant populations. For example, in 2015 cases of more than 1,100 deaths were reported across India, it was exceptionally hot in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain (May), and across Europe (June - July). In the later case, scientists said it was virtually certain that climate change increased the likelihood of this particular heat wave. Extreme heat can lead to people suffering from shock, getting dehydrated, developing acute heat illness and worsening of chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Some of the health effects of extreme heat includes; dizziness, fainting, sleep disruption, breathing difficulties, heat exhaustion, heart attacks and kidney damage. The risk of death from extreme heat is highest among black and American Indian and Alaska native populations in America, who are disproportionately exposed to heat. People with mental health conditions (including older adults, children and those taking prescription medications that impair the body's ability to regulate temperature) are most vulnerable to extreme heat impacts. Some of the warning signs of extreme heat includes; heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, paleness, tiredness and dizziness.
Extreme heat or heat waves are arguably the deadliest type of extreme weather event and while the death toll is often underreported, hundreds of deaths have been reported already in most of the affected countries, including Palestine, Bangladesh, lndia, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines. In Africa, the sahara regions of Algeria and Mali are the hottest regions in Africa. In 2023, the highest temperature anomalies were recorded across northwestern Africa, especially in Morocco, coastal parts of Mauritania and northwest Algeria. In Asia, in terms of dry heat level, the United Arab Emirates is regarded as the hottest, while in terms of heat and humidity levels Israel is the hottest country in Asia. Infact it's heat index and levels can easily soar to 129 degrees Fahrenheit. In Europe, the Valleta region in Malta is the hottest place with an average daily temperature of 22.3 degrees Celsius.
Extreme heat is a global climatic condition that poses a threat to humanity, health of people and the environment in general. This calls for serious concern and concerted efforts to be made by global leaders across the world, and national authorities at country levels to fight and mitigate the scourge of extreme heat globally. National authorities at country levels can promote simple heat preparedness measures to mitigate extreme heat by engaging in public awareness and public education for disaster risk reduction. Some of the simple heat preparedness measures to mitigate extreme heat are;
1. KNOW YOUR AREA'S VULNERABILITY TO EXTREME HEAT: community members must be educated to learn about the risks and potential impacts of extreme heat that can impact their locations. Find out about communication channels for early warning of very hot days in your regions.
2. BE AWARE OF PROTECTION AND SHELTER AROUND YOU: Be aware of the shade that trees can provide. Look for shade facilities in cities such as storefronts, traffic booths etc. Work with your community to identify places for community members to go and cool off during heat and power outages.
3. KNOW AND RAISE AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF EXTREME HEAT: Plan for how to change and adapt essential activities during extreme heat in order to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Understand the symptoms of heat-related illness and know expedient treatment and where to seek medical attention. Be aware if your part of a potentially affected group.
4. KNOW YOUR NEAREST POINTS OF MEDICAL SUPPORT: Hospitals and medical centres can potentially offer ice, cooled water and other support.
5. PREPARE WARNING MECHANISMS IN THE COMMUNITY: Involve youth and volunteers to support with extra care and activities in communities. Instruct health workers and community members in the specific risks of extreme heat and train them to respond quickly.
6. PREPARE TOOLS TO BUILD TEMPORARY COOLING / SHADE STRUCTURES: Construction of cooling and / or shade areas is all the more difficult in extreme heat, preparation in time of less heat can facilitate such tasks.
7. PROTECT YOUR LIVING SPACE: Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this is not possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed, (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter). Ensure your home has air conditioning if possible.
8. ADAPT YOUR EATING AND DRINKING HABITS TO STAY HYDRATED: Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medication required. Eat small meals but eat more frequently. Drink even if you do not feel thirsty. Map points of potable water in the community to be aware of where you can rehydrate yourself.
9. MODIFY DAILY ROUTINES: Try to avoid sport and heavy exercise or working during peak hours of the day.
10. STAY INFORMED, MONITOR WEATHER, LISTEN TO THE RADIO AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: Monitor the weather closely to see if extreme hot weather conditions, a heat wave watch or warming is expected in your area ( usually there will be several days of lead time).
11. AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO THE SUN: Keep out of the sun , especially during peak hours. If you are outside during peak hours, walk in the shade, and cover your head using a wide-brimmed hat, parasol, or turban. Use sun protection / sunscreen with a high level of UVA / UVB protection.
12. PROTECT YOURSELF WITH APPROPRIATE CLOTHING: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured clothing. Avoid dark colours since they absorb heat.
13. STAY HYDRATED: Always carry a bottle of water. Assist others, handout water during events, traffic jams to people at risk. Remind the elderly, who lack thirst stimulus, to drink water regularly (offer more water and soup), one should drink at least 2 litres of water per day. Avoid alcoholic drinks, too much of sweet and / or very cold drinks since these can cause stomach cramps.
14. BE AWARE OF THE SYMPTOMS OF HEAT INDUCED SICKNESS: Seek medical help if symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, weakness, dizziness or cramps get worse or do not go away. Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour. Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes. Cancel strenuous activities planned or reschedule them until the coolest time of the day.
15. CONNECT WITH YOUR PEERS: Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and reach out to those that are at risk or vulnerable.
16. STAY AWARE OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS AT RISK AROUND YOU: Check on family, friends and neighbours who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. Check in your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Stimulate solidarity and ask people to reach out proactively to support the elderly and chronically I'll during times of extreme heat (family, friends, neighbours). Never leave an animal inside a vehicle on a hot day.
17. COOL YOURSELF DOWN: Have cold drinks and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks. Eat cold foods, particularly those with high water content. Take a cool shower. Keep curtains or blinds closed indoors. Use air conditioning or fans if the temperature outside is above 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) with high humidity. Keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
If we all can adhere strictly to all these precautionary measures, adopt a sustainable lifestyle, l can boldly say that everyone can easily adapt very well during extreme heat season.
#Extremeheat #Beattheheat #SDGs #GlobalGoals #Leavenoonebehind #Decadeofaction #SDG13 #Climateaction #Climatejustice #Climateresilienceforall #UNEP #UnitedNations.
BRIEF PERSONAL PROFILE OF ENOBONG EKWERE - ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST/ DEVELOPMENT EXPERT IN NIGERIA.
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