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The weather is starting to get hotter with a long-lasting heat wave that has started to affect the whole country… The thermometer has started to hit “red” with the mercury today Saturday showing 42 degrees in many areas of the country….
At the moment Zakynthos is showing 31 degrees but will slowly rise by mid day to 32, however due to humidity it will feel a lot hotter.
The situation will be difficult, as the heatwave will last according to the forecasts of meteorologists until the end of the month.
In Thessaly, Eastern Mainland and Eastern Peloponnese the temperature will reach 42 degrees and we are still at the beginning of the heat wave.
According to the EMY today, generally clear weather is expected, with local clouds in the continental areas at noon and in the afternoon.
Winds will blow from north directions 3 to 5 and in the Aegean 6 and temporarily during the warm hours of the day 7 Beaufort.
The temperature will rise slightly and its maximum values will range in the mainland around 39 to 40 degrees, while due to local conditions (microclimate, low winds) and especially in areas inside the mainland that are not affected by sea breezes, the temperature will reach 41 to 42 degrees Celsius. More specifically, areas of central Macedonia, Thessaly, Sterea and Peloponnese will be affected. In the Ionian Islands, the Dodecanese and southern Crete it will reach 35 to 37 degrees, while in the rest of the island country it will be 33 to 35 degrees Celsius.
It’s moments like these that we are lucky we are living on an Island where we will get a cool sea breeze to ease the effects of the heatwave.
Why is a heatwave a problem?
The main risks posed by a heatwave are:
- not drinking enough water (dehydration)
- overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
- heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Tips for coping in hot weather
- look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- close curtains and shutters on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
- walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day
- make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling
- if you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice
Preventing heat exhaustion and heatstroke
There’s a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise.
To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke:
- drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising
- take cool baths or showers
- wear light-coloured, loose clothing
- sprinkle water over skin or clothes
- avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- avoid excess alcohol
- avoid extreme exercise
This will also prevent dehydration and help your body keep itself cool.
Keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions (like diabetes or heart problems) because they’re more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Check for signs of heat exhaustion
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
- a headache
- dizziness and confusion
- loss of appetite and feeling sick
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or pulse
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- being very thirsty
The symptoms are often the same in adults and children, although children may become floppy and sleepy.
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down.
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