Pakistan witnesses some of the highest temperatures ever recorded in summer. In April this year, Nawabshah set a new record for the highest global temperature – a whooping 50 degrees Celsius. Turbat has experienced record highs peaking at 53.5 degrees Celsius for four consecutive days. Temperatures in the same range have become the norm in Jacobabad, Larkana, and other parts of interior Sindh. An overview of the reported temperatures at the time of writing this article shows that the mercury is above 45 degrees Celsius in 23 major cities.
The World Meteorological Organization describes a heat wave as an extreme weather event marked with warming of the air over a large area usually lasting from a few days to a few weeks. This phenomena increases health risks and may even result in death. Moreover, heavy losses to agriculture, increased risk of wild fires and power shortages accompany heat waves.
Heat waves occur due to high pressure weather systems, in which air from higher altitudes is “pulled” down towards the ground. This effect causes the air to become compressed, and raises its temperature. Moreover, as the air comes in contact with the ground, which has already been heated up by sunlight, its temperature rises rapidly. The result is extremely hot weather that not only impacts people, but has devastating effects on animal and plant life too. The icing on the cake is that high pressure systems generally tend to hang around in the same area for long periods of time, thus extending exposure to rapidly rising temperatures. Heat waves can last from several days to several weeks. Understandably, the longer a heat wave persists, the hotter an area becomes. It is important to emphasise that the effects of heat waves differ highly between day-time and night-time.
Heat waves are marked with little to no wind as the high pressure system causing the entire event inhibits flow of wind. There are few or no clouds, since other weather systems won’t be entering a high pressure area with ease.
Sunlight usually increases temperatures, thereby aggravating heat waves. In areas that receive large amounts of sunlight – for example countries located along the equator – there is a marked increase in the intensity and frequency of heat waves.
The biggest health risk associated with heat waves is heat stroke. If untreated, heat strokes can even result in death. Other health risks include heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat oedema, and heat rash.
Rising temperatures can also cause heat cramps (characterised by spasms in the legs and lower abdomen), and heat exhaustion which is indicated by fainting, vomiting, heavy sweating, weakness and cold skin.
The first priority if a heat stroke is suspected is to seek immediate medical care. It is important to get out of the heat and direct sunlight. Move the person suffering from heat-related conditions indoors to a cool area. If no such shelter is available, seek shade. Remove excess clothing, roll up shirt sleeves, take off shoes and socks.
Use any available cool water to relieve the symptoms. This can be done by spraying water through a hose, placing wet cloth on the affected person, or pouring cool water onto the person’s head and body.
If able, the affected person should drink water as soon as possible. Cold water, ice, soft drinks, and juices should not be consumed by a person suffering from heat stroke. Direct cool air towards the affected person by using a fan, or move them to an area cooled by a water cooler or air conditioner.