– Heat waves arise whenever there is an abnormal rise in the temperature of the environment
– Hundreds of people have died in countries where this hazard occurred in the recent past – Nigeria, which falls in the tropical region of the world is highly susceptible to this health challenge
According to meteorologists, a heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which could be accompanied by high humidity, especially in oceanic climate countries.
Heat waves are measured relative to the usual weather in the area and relative to normal temperatures for the season. In regions of the world, especially the temperate regions, where there are four seasons (winter, summer, autumn and spring), heat waves come often during summer period, where there is much more sunlight and when there is increase in the ambient temperature.
During summer, measures like staying indoors frequently, wearing light-clothing materials basically made from cottons and staying under the shade are used.
In order to cope with the current climate conditions in Nigeria, where there is also challenge of epileptic power supply, experts have advised on some of the major under-listed methods.
1. People should drink more water to keep themselves hydrated. Keep a water bottle with you to remind you to take water. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks during this period. Drinking water first thing early in the morning is ideal.
2. Someone should reduce intake of foods that are rich in protein, because they increase metabolic heat. Fresh foods, fruits and vegetables are better options.
3. This is one of the most important methods. Every individual should monitor his or her blood pressure regularly.
4. People should as much as possible, stay indoors between 12noon and 3pm, where the sun is intense.
5. Taking cold baths before going to bed at night helps to reduce internal body heat.
You would have noticed recently that the heat during the day and night have been unbearably high. This is as a result of heat waves, stemming from the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides, chlorofluorocarbons and the likes. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has warned Nigerians to prepare for more hot days and warm nights.
This preparation will require smart adaptation strategies and engaging in climate resilient practices to cope with the damage that has been done. The common effects of heat waves on humans are dehydration which can lead to fainting or death, chickenpox, heat rash, and psychological stress.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority, a heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western parts of countries like India. Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July.
The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions adversely affect people living in these regions as they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting in death.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves: – Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches atleast 40*C for Plains and atleast 30*C for Hilly regions
– When normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40*C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 5*C to 6*C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 7*C or more
– When normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40*C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 4*C to 5*C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 6*C or more
– When actual maximum temperature remains 45*C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves should be declared.
Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change.
India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties. Hundreds of people died in India about six years ago, when there was an intense heat wave. Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties.
Health Impacts of Heat Waves
The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. The signs and symptoms are as follows: (i) Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39*C i.e.102*F; (ii) Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating (iii) Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40*C i.e. 104*F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma.
– Hundreds of people have died in countries where this hazard occurred in the recent past – Nigeria, which falls in the tropical region of the world is highly susceptible to this health challenge
According to meteorologists, a heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which could be accompanied by high humidity, especially in oceanic climate countries.
Heat waves are measured relative to the usual weather in the area and relative to normal temperatures for the season. In regions of the world, especially the temperate regions, where there are four seasons (winter, summer, autumn and spring), heat waves come often during summer period, where there is much more sunlight and when there is increase in the ambient temperature.
During summer, measures like staying indoors frequently, wearing light-clothing materials basically made from cottons and staying under the shade are used.
In order to cope with the current climate conditions in Nigeria, where there is also challenge of epileptic power supply, experts have advised on some of the major under-listed methods.
1. People should drink more water to keep themselves hydrated. Keep a water bottle with you to remind you to take water. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks during this period. Drinking water first thing early in the morning is ideal.
2. Someone should reduce intake of foods that are rich in protein, because they increase metabolic heat. Fresh foods, fruits and vegetables are better options.
3. This is one of the most important methods. Every individual should monitor his or her blood pressure regularly.
4. People should as much as possible, stay indoors between 12noon and 3pm, where the sun is intense.
5. Taking cold baths before going to bed at night helps to reduce internal body heat.
You would have noticed recently that the heat during the day and night have been unbearably high. This is as a result of heat waves, stemming from the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides, chlorofluorocarbons and the likes. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has warned Nigerians to prepare for more hot days and warm nights.
This preparation will require smart adaptation strategies and engaging in climate resilient practices to cope with the damage that has been done. The common effects of heat waves on humans are dehydration which can lead to fainting or death, chickenpox, heat rash, and psychological stress.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority, a heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western parts of countries like India. Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July.
The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions adversely affect people living in these regions as they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting in death.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves: – Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches atleast 40*C for Plains and atleast 30*C for Hilly regions
– When normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40*C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 5*C to 6*C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 7*C or more
– When normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40*C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 4*C to 5*C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 6*C or more
– When actual maximum temperature remains 45*C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves should be declared.
Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change.
India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties. Hundreds of people died in India about six years ago, when there was an intense heat wave. Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties.
Health Impacts of Heat Waves
The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. The signs and symptoms are as follows: (i) Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39*C i.e.102*F; (ii) Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating (iii) Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40*C i.e. 104*F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma.
