Brace yourself for more unbearably hot days

By Phephile Motau

People should brace themselves for more unbearably hot days as high temperatures are expected to persist until next week with no rains expected.

Meteorologist Dumisani Sithole from Eswatini Meteorological Services said from Thursday, temperatures are forecasted to reach highs of 40 degrees Celsius in the Lowveld, and the highveld will experience temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius.

According to information sourced from Accuweather, this situation will last until next Wednesday as temperatures are forecasted to rise to maximums of 30 degree Celsius in the highveld, with no rains predicted.
 
Sithole explained that the conditions were caused by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which appears as a band of clouds consisting of showers, with occasional thunderstorms, that encircles the globe near the equator, was out of position. He said this is the cause of the absence of rain in the country.

Meanwhile, health workers urge people to protect themselves from illnesses that are related to high temperatures, some of which may be fatal.

According to www.clevelandclinic.com, if your body is overheating, and you have a high temperature, bumps on your skin, muscle spasms, headache, dizziness, nausea or many other symptoms, you may have one of the most common heat-related illnesses: heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat illnesses range from mild to severe, and heat stroke can be deadly.

It is reported that some health conditions can make it harder for the body to stay cool in hot weather. These include old age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and drug and alcohol use. 

When temperatures are very high, people are urged to get plenty to drink as sweating removes needed salt and minerals from the body. When it is hot, drink more water, juice, and sports drinks. People should also avoid drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee, and cola) and alcohol. 

The website further states that the best way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area or take a cool shower or bath. People are also reminded to wear as little clothing as possible when they are at home or choose lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.

In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will keep the head cool. If you will be in direct sun, use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15
or higher.

The website also goes on to warn people to try to be less active during the hottest part of the day and if they must be out in the heat, they should plan their activities so that they are outdoors either before noon or in the evening. Lastly, they are urged to never leave kids or pets in a parked car.