Emeka Nweze
The world is changing, and so is its atmosphere. The average temperature of the earth is rising at almost twice its normal rate and in the last few months, Nigeria has begun to experience this rapid rise. Temperatures in Nigeria have risen to up to 41 degrees and could rise even further in the coming days as a heat waves sweeps across the country.
What is a Heat Wave?
A Heat Wave is a period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity (moisture in the air). It occurs when a system of high atmospheric pressure moves into an area, this high concentration of pressure makes it difficult for other weather systems to move into the area, which is why a heat wave can last for several days or weeks.
Global warming and climate change are the main reasons why there are more frequent occurrences of heat waves. Climate change occurs when changes in the earth’s climate system results in new weather patterns. Global warming on the other hand is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, as a result of climate change. These new weather systems are caused by natural phenomenons such as volcanoes or sun radiation, and human influences such as deforestation and the excessive release of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere through burning of fossil fuel such as coal and gas.
Having said that, look at five ways you can survive in this period of extreme heat.
- Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is germane in this hot weather in other to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat rashes, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke.. It is important that you drink lots of cool water as you go about your daily activities, because the more your body sweats under the hot weather, the more fluid you need to replace.
- Take Regular showers
As the temperatures in the atmosphere increase, so also does your body temperature. Hence, it becomes important for you to balance your body temperature with regular cool showers in order to avoid exhaustion and other related illnesses.
- Use Deodorant.
The increased temperatures result in excessive sweating, and the accumulation of sweat can sometimes result in one developing unfriendly odours. It is important that you try to prevent or counter this by making use of quality deodorants day and night after your shower.
- Wear Light Clothes
The heightened temperatures do not accommodate wearing of heavy clothing such as sweaters, thick long sleeves, turtle necks etc, rather light clothes that will give you freedom and easy access to air is highly recommended.
- Stay Indoors in a Cool Environment as Much as Possible
It is advisable to stay indoors under air conditioned environment if that is available to you as much as possible between 11 am to 4 pm, unless you have to be outdoors. In other words, try as much as possible to escape the sun.
