If there’s one thing everyone is complaining about these days, it’s the scorching heat. The sweaty afternoons and the uncomfortable nights that experts warn could continue until Mid May this year.
These above-normal temperatures were felt at the start of April which meteorologists forecast could continue and worsen in the coming weeks. Until last week, the sun was directly over the latitude of Sri Lanka. In their latest advisory, the Meteorology Department has issued an ‘amber’ alert cautioning residents over rising temperatures throughout most parts of the country.
According to the heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is expected to increase up to a ‘Caution’ level at some places in the Eastern, Northern, North-Central, and North-Western Provinces and Moneragala and Hambantota districts, the national weather forecaster has stated. Those living in Jaffna have been warned to exercise “extreme caution” and be alert to the possibilities of heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Continued activities outdoors could also likely result in heat strokes.
The Department’s regional offices and climate change director Anusha Warnasuriya told the Sunday Observer that the extremely hot conditions are likely to fluctuate in the coming days and could be felt more acutely in the Uva, Sabaragamua, and the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
She outlined several reasons that contribute to us feeling extremely hot over the past few days and weeks. “In March, April through to mid May, there is a lack of wind over most parts of the country. There is also low-level moisture and humidity is high.” She said that the body sweats to keep itself cool, but the rate sweat evaporates depends on how much moisture is there in the air. On dry days, sweat evaporates quickly, on humid days this process happens more slowly. “When sweat evaporates slowly, the body heats up and we begin to feel the heat more acutely,” she said.
She said that the Southwest monsoon is expected to begin around mid May and go on until the end of June, although the exact onset of the rains could differ. “Until such time these temperatures will likely be felt more acutely and citizens are advised to be cautious and that cloudless skies also increase our susceptibility to the heat.”
According to medical experts, when relative humidity reaches a high level, the body’s natural cooling systems falter and the body heats up. In extreme cases, people begin to suffer from heat cramps or heat strokes, which is when the body begins to cook itself.
A specialist at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, Dr. Deepal Perera at a press conference last week said that children and the elderly alike should increase their intake of water. “When we sweat, we lose water and sodium, potassium and when you lose more water than your intake, this can lead to dehydration. Some of the tell-tale signs include tiredness, sleepiness, body aches and nausea - which are likely to be felt by children, the elderly and those working outdoors,” Dr. Perera said.
He said that if we do not increase our intake of fluids, those vulnerable face the risk of heat strokes. “It is advisable to increase our fluid intake ranging from water to juice and even Jeevani to keep ourselves hydrated. Those who have to go out are advised to wear light coloured clothing, carry an umbrella or wear a cap.” He said that young children can be encouraged to take baths twice a day to prolong their time spent in the water.
Children should not wear tight clothing as it can cause further discomfort and result in prickly heat and dermatitis. Lotions that contain calamine or menthol can be applied to help prevent sweat rashes. He added that carbonated and fizzy drinks should be avoided as they do not quench thirst.