BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE met office in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, is warning citizens and residents of that country to be prepared for an expected extremely hot temperature that could top 110 degrees.
In its report, the met office said that there is a heat warning in place as temperatures could top out at, or feel like 46 °C or 115 °F.
The office indicated that a combination of high temperatures, relatively high humidity and light winds would result in the dangerously hot conditions.
Those conditions, it noted, pose the threat of health problems, mainly for sensitive people, and are forecast to be high with the potential for extensive impacts.
“An excessive heat warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of dangerously hot conditions. The threshold for this warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 41 °C or 106 °F or higher, for two or more consecutive days, with the winds 18 km/h (11 mph) or less
“The maximum heat index for yesterday was 44 °C or 111 °F. Sensitive groups: While extreme heat can put everyone at risk for heat illnesses, health risks are greatest for the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses, people who work or who exercise in the heat, homeless people and low-income earners. Potential Health implications: Heat illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat illnesses can lead to long-term health problems and heat stroke can lead to death,,” met officials explained.
This is not the first time this year that the islands have been placed under an excessive heat warning.
Citizens and residents are being cautioned to look out for symptoms of health illness such as dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, or extreme thirst.
According to the met office, the most dangerous heat illness is heat stroke, with symptoms that include complete or partial loss of consciousness or confusion and high body temperature.
The office is urging everyone to stay hydrated and safe during the period of high temperature.
