Everybody is complaining about the heat. To some it is the weather, but for others, the state of the economy is a heat in another level.
However, in this piece, we are looking at overcoming the Heatwave in Nigeria.
As at the time of writing this report, Thursday February 15, 2024, here are some of the weather reports by Google: Aba 94° Abeokuta 100° Alimosho 97° Amuwo 97° Benin City 98° Calabar 97° Enugu 98° Ibadan 96° Ilorin 97° Jos 85° Kaduna 90° Kano 86° Katsina 87° Lagos 97°.
This gives you approximately 35°C|°F at Humidity: 26% and Wind: 11 km/h.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) TEAM on Climate Change and Health (CCH), Environment, Climate Change and Health (ECH) recommends the following solution to addressing the heatwave.
Overcoming the Heatwave in Nigeria
- Move to the coolest room in the home, especially at night. If it is not possible to keep your home cool, spend 2-3 hours of the day in a cool place (such as an air-conditioned public building). Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity if you can. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 04:00 and 07:00.
- Stay in the shade. Do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles.
According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) forecasts, the current high temperatures across the country will persist in the coming days.
NiMET stated this on Wednesday that air temperatures have reached 41°C in the North and 39°C in the South, according to the Agency’s official X (previously Twitter) account.
It said, “Air Temperatures hit 41°C over the North and 39°C over the South with model Projections indicating temperatures to remain high in the coming days,” NiMET’s X post read in part.
Impacts of the high temperature and NiMET’s vital advisories
Its post elaborated on the consequences of elevated temperatures for Nigerians, encompassing dehydration, which may lead to fainting; ailments such as chickenpox, measles, heat rash, weakness, slight fever, and dry lips; heat-related illnesses; respiratory problems; and heightened susceptibility to chronic conditions.
- Hence, it will not be out of order to keep the body cool and hydrated by taking cool showers or baths during a heatwave.
- You can also use cold packs and wraps, towels, sponging, and foot baths to keep cool. Wear light, loose-fitting clothes of natural materials.
- If you go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses. Use light bed linen and sheets, and no cushions, to avoid heat accumulation.
- Drink regularly, but avoid alcohol and too much caffeine and sugar. Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein.
- If you feel dizzy, weak, and anxious or have intense thirst and headache during a heatwave, it is best to move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature.
- Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate.
- Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes.
- Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than 1 hour. Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist.
In addition,
- During this heatwave you should aim to keep your living space cool. Check the room temperature between 08:00 and 10:00, at 13:00 and at night after 22:00. Ideally, the room temperature should be kept below 32 °C during the day and 24 °C during the night.
This is especially important for infants or adults over the age of 60 or who have chronic health conditions.
- At night and early morning when the outside temperature is lower, open all the windows and shutters in your home.
- During the day, close the windows and shutters (if available), especially those facing the sun during the day.
- Turn off artificial lighting and as many electrical devices as possible.
- Hang shades, draperies, awnings or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
- Hang wet towels to cool down the room air. Note that the humidity of the air increases at the same time.
- If your residence is air conditioned, close the doors and windows and conserve electricity not needed to keep you cool, to ensure that power remains available and reduce the chance of a community-wide outage.
- Electric fans may provide relief, but when the temperature is above 35 °C, may not prevent heat-related illness. It is important to drink fluids.
In summary, on surviving the heatwave in Nigeria, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), recommends the ensuring sufficient fluid intake, seeking shade, utilizing fans, and opting for lightweight, breathable attire to minimize exposure to high temperatures.
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