Extreme heat can be a killer. Many people are affected every year in Pakistan when the temperature reaches 104° F or higher. But often people do not realize how dangerous heatwaves can be. Extreme heat is not the type of thing you can see coming at you, but it’s still very deadly and very dangerous. One can protect himself by adopting few tips which are detailed in this article. and detail about heat stress, heat waves and heat stoke is also discussed.
In Mohenjo Daro, 52 degrees Celsius temperature is recorded in the past 24 hours. which is the highest temperature record for this year in Pakistan, as reported by Shahid Abbas, a senior official of the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Mohenjo Daro is a historic town, that is renowned for its ancient archaeological sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), those living in urban areas have more chances of being affected by heatwaves as urban centers tend to become heat islands.
Besides this, these hot waves can also cause severe dehydration and blood clots, the global health body said. Extreme heatwaves can causes severe symptoms in human body, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These warm waves can be harmful as it can causes faintness, as well as dry, warm skin, due to the inability of the body to control high temperatures, according to the World Health Organizations’ (WHO).
As temperature in many districts of Country crossed 45 degrees Celsius on Friday. It is predicted by PDMA that it will be Severe heat in karachi as well in entire country’s hot zone from tomorrow until Mon, May 27.
What is a heat wave?
A heat wave is associated with a period of abnormally hot weather. These heat waves can occur with or without high humidity. They have the potential of covering a large area and exposing a high number of people to hazardous heat.
What are the effects of a heat wave?
The effects of heat waves can impact human health, agricultural production, energy consumption, and the overall utilities of production in a given region.
Extreme heat can impact our infrastructure – from transportation to utilities to clean water and agriculture. High heat can deteriorate warp, or buckle railway tracks, and exceed certain types of aircraft operational limits.
Electricity usage is increased by Air Conditioning and refrigerators to keep homes and offices temperature under control. Water consumption is also increased to stay hydrated and cool. Heat can have lasting impacts as crops may be damaged, reducing production which leads to short supply and or increased cost to the farmers and consumers.
Intense weather already affecting people:
According to health experts, the intense weather has been affecting people badly while a majority of them already struggling to survive amid unprecedented hikes in prices of food, essential commodities, gas and electricity.
Heatwaves-affected patients were coming with high-grade fever, acute body aches, low blood pressure, and eye infections.
Few steps you can take to protect yourself from the heatwaves:
- Staying indoors and avoiding exposure to the sun and higher temperature.
- Staying on the lowest floor of the house would be great.
- Drinking plenty of water as you can secure yourself from heat stroke.
- Avoiding drinks that include caffeine.
- Eating light meals and avoiding too much salt as blood pressure remain under control.
- Postponing outdoor activites.
- Wearing loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-color clothes.
- Wearing a scarf or a wide-brimmed hat to protect the head and face.
- Refraining from strenuous tasks and taking regular breaks during peak heat hours.
How does heat stress occur in the human body?
Heat stress takes place in the human body when the body is unable to cool itself effectively. Normally, the body can cool itself naturally through sweating, but when humidity becomes high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, potentially leading to heat stroke. Extreme Hot days can easily cause heat-related illnesses, such as cardiovascular, respiratory complications and kidney disease.
Conclusion:
Extreme heatwaves are very dangerous for health, infrastructure, and agriculture. To stay safe, it is important to drink water, avoid outdoor activities in peak heat, and wear light clothing. Be careful, and protect yourself and others from the harm of heatwaves.
So, I hope you have enjoyed this informative post and learned how to protect from heatwaves. For more informative knowledge visit our website on regular basis.
FAQs:
Why temperature is so high in Pakistan?
Due to the earth’s spherical shape which is angled in such a way that it receives direct sunlight. Most of southern regions of Pakistan, such as Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Nawabshah experience higher temperatures because of their proximity to the equator.
Which part of Pakistan is hottest?
Jacobabad is accounted as one of the world’s hottest cities.
What was the hottest day in Pakistan?
28 May 2017
The highest temperature ever recorded in the history of Pakistan is 53.8 °C (128.8 °F) which was recorded in Turbat, Balochistan and Moenjo Daro, Sindh on 28 May 2017 and 26 May 2010 respectively.