Take precuations as mercury is rising
Temperature to rise to 49c over the weekend and people are urged to keep themselves hydrated.
Dubai by Janice Ponce de Leon, staff reporter Residents have been advised to take extra precautions to avoid heat related illness as the mercury rises above 40 degree Celsius and nears 50c in some areas in the UAE.
Forecasters at the national centre of Meteorology and Seismology yesterday said the weekend will be hot in general with internal areas getting the maximum temperatures of between 44c and 49 c .The mercury will side to 39c to 44c along the coast and further down to 33c to 37 c in mountain areas. The highest temperature in the UAE on Wednesday was recorded in Mezaira at 49.6c at 3 pm .Internal areas usually record the highest temperatures during summer.
An expected increase in relative humidity to 80 to 100 per cent will contribute to the discomfort from midnight to early morning for those who go outdoors.
“The temperature range is common in the UAE, during this period .Between June and end of August ,the temperature is normally above 40C and sometimes slightly above 50C in some areas ,” a forecaster told Gulf News.
“The temperature may be the same in some other countries right now (where heat waves are becoming more extreme) but (its impact) could be due to other factors such as lack of drinking water and other medical reasons I cannot comment on it,” he added.
Dr Arun Kumar Sharma consultant neurologist at Emirates 24X7 Hospital Dubai, said residents should take extra precautions when going outdoors.
“Residents should stay indoors as much as possible, especially during the hottest time of the day ,usually between nppn and 3 pm .They should wear protective clothing face covers and sunglasses .If they have to stay out for a long time ,they must use an umbrella.” Dr Sharma said.
Besides taking these precautions Dr Sharma said caring for the body internally is also important .”Before stepping out, hydrate yourself by drinking at least two liters of water. And since electrolytes also go down (in the heat due to sweating) a simple electrolyte solution would be a bit of lemon and half a teaspoon of salt that contains potassium and sodium. You don’t have to go searching for commercial electrolyte solutions.”
Dr Sharma said those who are fasting may keep themselves hydrated by consuming foods that have high water content during Iftar .opt for salads over greasy foods he said.
When a person feels a steady increase in body’s temperature when outdoors he should immediately seek shade . He can also try water sponging but if it’s an actual heatstroke he will require professional help he said.
