When the going gets hot

The importance of staying cool and hydrated when temperatures reach the high 30°Cs:

With temperatures soaring to the near 40°C, the phrase “it’s hot” has taken a wholly different and uncomfortable meaning, underscored by parched throats, profuse sweating, heat rashes and general discomfort. The uncomfortable heat has also rendered questionable boastful claims in tourism websites of February and March being the best time to visit Sri Lanka due to the warm temperatures. The warmest average max/high temperature in Sri Lanka for February, March, April and May is recorded as 31°C. But the Department of Meteorology has already recorded a high of 36.6°C for February and a near average of 34°C for Colombo.

The uncomfortable heat and humidity has many people wondering out loud why there is such a rise in the temperature in recent days, says Lalith Chandrapala, Director General, Department of Meteorology, but such weather is expected and common during the months of February and March in the country.

Beating the heat

*Wear light, loose-fitting clothes and drink plenty of water
*Take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned place
*Wear a hat or use an umbrella to shade yourself.
*Apply sunscreen before outdoor activity
*Avoid caffeinated drinks, which can be dehydrating

“February and March are relatively dry months, especially for the South Western parts of the island,” he says, explaining that North Western parts of the island experience better weather during this period, and that the experience severe dry conditions experienced in the South Western region coupled with the paucity of clouds during this time period gives rise to the increased atmospheric temperature levels currently being experienced.

Additional two weeks

The bad news, according to the Director General, is that people in the South Western parts have to endure the rising temperatures for an additional two weeks, until the Inter Monsoon season in the second week of March, which is expected to ease up the temperature levels somewhat. “There will be thunder showers soon that will bring down the uncomfortable levels of heat we are facing now,” he says.

Despite the promise of monsoon showers, the high temperatures can be strenuous to a human body, with headaches and dizziness being common complaints among the public these days.

Human body

Watch out

*Cramps in the legs and abdomen can be the first signs your body is having trouble dealing with soaring temperatures. Fluids, including sports drinks, usually help, as does resting in a cool place. Light muscle-stretching also can help.

*Signs of heat exhaustion include cool skin that is moist and pale, flushed or ashen. Other sighs headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness or exhaustion and heavy sweating

*Those suffering from heat exhaustion should quickly get out of the heat and drink small amounts of fluid. Clothes should be loosened or removed, and wet cloths should be applied. If the condition worsens or fails to improve, or you find yourself unable to drink water or you vomit, seek medical attention

*Heat stroke victims lose their ability to sweat, meaning their bodies can’t cool down. Victims’ skin may redden and become either dry or moist. They may be unconscious with a rapid or weak pulse, and their breathing may be shallow. Call 1990 immediately if you are suffering from these symptoms.

*Consider scheduling outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., when it’s cooler. Drink water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you aren’t thirsty

*Always check with a doctor about dealing with the heat if you have a chronic medical condition.

And don’t forget to check on children or the elderly and never leave children or pets inside a vehicle, where temperatures can climb quickly to lethal levels.

According to Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni, Chief Medical Officer, Colombo Municipal Council, keeping oneself hydrated is vital during these times of high temperature levels.

“Temperature and the human body are linked,” he says explaining that between 27°C and 34°C lies the comfortable level of environment temperature for a human body. According to Dr. Wijayamuni, temperature levels looming over 34°C, can cause the human body to slow down and become lethargic.

“The reason for this is the body goes into a defence mechanism and people therefore start sweating profusely and become slower as their bodies slow down,” he explains.

According to Dr. Wijayamuni, high temperatures can cause various types of fungal infections due to the various synthetic materials used by people. High temperatures can also cause prickly heat issues, high blood pressure and dehydration.

“People should try to remain indoors as much as possible till the temperature eases and limit physical activity,” he says, suggesting that people should make the conscious decision to wear single coloured clothing, especially white, while and also sticking to materials such as cotton. “Constant baths and washing can also help the body cool down” he says, adding that during times of increased temperatures people should minimally drink around 2 litres of water a day.

Dr. Wijayamuni also stresses that lemon juice with salt can help the body regain the salt lost due to profuse sweating, as perspiration can cause an electrolyte imbalance leading up to a heat stroke. Pointing out another important factor, Dr. Wijayamuni stresses on the importance of protecting oneself from UV rays of the sun, especially during the months that see less clouds. “Today we face excessive amounts of UV rays due to the damage done to the ozone layer.

It is therefore paramount to protect one’s eyes and skin from the sun’s harmful rays,” he cautions.

Dr. Wijayamuni recommends that people use high quality sunglasses to avoid cataracts caused by UV rays. However, he stresses this has to be quality sunglasses that can prevent the penetration of such rays or it would not be of use. He also points out that sunscreen should be used to protect the skin in order to avoid skin cancers that can be caused by the Sun.