Heatwave alert: protecting yourself in the scorching weather

WEB DESK: The country is bracing for intense heat over the next few days as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the heat is likely to escalate in the coming days, increasing the risk of a severe heatwave in Pakistan. In upper and plain areas, temperatures are expected to remain 5 to 7°C above average.

These extreme conditions may pose serious health risks, especially in urban areas where heat gets trapped due to concrete structures (the “heat island” effect). Prolonged heat exposure can cause:

• Heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, fatigue)
• Heat stroke (a life-threatening condition with high body temperature)
• Severe dehydration 

Extreme heatwave sweeps Pakistan, 48°C recorded

These measures can help in combatting the possibility of a heatstroke during a heatwave:

1. Limiting outdoor exposure between 11 AM–4 PM (peak heat hours)
2. Staying on ground floors (coolest area in buildings)
3. Drinking water at least hourly, even if not thirsty, while avoiding coffee, tea or carbonated drinks because they lead to dehydration. 
4. Wear loose, light-colored clothes, and cover the head with a cool cloth
5. Eat small, salt-balanced meals (avoid heavy/spicy food)
6. Never leave kids/pets in parked cars (temps rise rapidly)
7. Postpone outdoor workouts or take shade breaks every 20 minutes
8. Carry water and give out to those working directly under the sun
9. Ensure that others are aware of heatstroke camps set up by the government

Ten years ago, the heatwave in Karachi took more than a thousand dwellers, which is a a grim reminder of heat’s lethal potential.