Extreme heat can be dangerous, so it's important to take precautions to stay safe. Here's a step-by-step guide for different temperature ranges:
30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit):
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help your body stay cool.
Stay indoors during peak heat hours: If possible, avoid being outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
Use fans or air conditioning: Keep your home cool with fans or air conditioning, or seek out public places like malls or libraries that have air conditioning.
35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit):
Continue to stay hydrated: Increase your water intake to compensate for increased sweating.
Limit outdoor activities: If you need to be outside, try to schedule activities for the early morning or late evening when it's cooler.
Use sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from sunburn.
Cool off with water: Take cool showers or baths, or use a damp cloth to wipe down your skin to help lower your body temperature.
40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit):
Avoid strenuous activity: Limit physical exertion, especially outdoors, as it can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Stay in shaded areas: Seek out shaded areas if you must be outside, and use umbrellas or hats to block direct sunlight.
Check on vulnerable individuals: Keep an eye on elderly family members, young children, and pets, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Monitor for signs of heat-related illness: Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. Seek medical attention if you or someone else shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit):
Stay indoors: Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. Extreme heat at this level can be life-threatening.
Keep curtains closed: Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day to block out sunlight and keep your home cooler.
Use fans and air conditioning: If you have access to air conditioning, use it to keep your home at a safe temperature. If not, use fans and try to create cross-ventilation to circulate air.
Stay hydrated and cool: Drink plenty of water and use cold compresses or ice packs to cool down if needed.
The risk of certain diseases or health conditions can increase with higher temperatures, but it's important to note that temperature alone doesn't directly cause diseases. However, extreme heat can exacerbate existing health conditions and contribute to heat-related illnesses. Here's how it may affect health at different temperature ranges:
30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit):
Heat exhaustion: In temperatures around 30°C, prolonged exposure to heat and inadequate hydration can lead to heat exhaustion, characterized by symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache.
Dehydration: Higher temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, especially if adequate fluids are not consumed. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, and confusion.
35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit):
Heat cramps: At temperatures around 35°C, individuals engaged in physical activity or working in hot environments may experience heat cramps, which are painful muscle spasms resulting from electrolyte imbalances due to sweating.
Heat rash: Also known as prickly heat, heat rash can occur in hot and humid conditions when sweat ducts become clogged, leading to red, itchy, or prickly bumps on the skin.
40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit):
Heatstroke: At temperatures around 40°C, the risk of heatstroke significantly increases. Heatstroke is a severe heat-related illness characterized by a body temperature above 40°C (104°F), along with symptoms such as confusion, rapid heartbeat, dry skin, unconsciousness, and even organ failure. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit):
Extreme heat at 45°C poses an exceptionally high risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Prolonged exposure to such extreme temperatures without adequate hydration and cooling measures can quickly lead to life-threatening conditions.
Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and outdoor workers, are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses in such extreme conditions.