The Met Office has issued a warning about an excessive heat wave for Antigua and
Barbuda over the next three days, starting today (Friday).
Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Dale Destin said light winds and relatively high
humidity will possibly allow for the heat index to rise to excessive levels resulting
in dangerously hot conditions.
“The threat of health problems, for mainly sensitive people could rise to at least
moderate with the potential for significant impacts. An excessive heat watch is
issued when conditions are conducive for an excessive heat event, in the next 24 to
72 hours; however, the timing is still uncertain,” Destin warned.
He added that the threshold heat index temperature for a watch, is 38°C (100°F) or
higher, for two or more consecutive days, with the winds usually being 18 km/h or
11 mph or less.
“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.
“Heat illnesses (heat: stroke, exhaustion, fainting, cramps, rash, and edema) are
preventable, but they can lead to long-term health problems and even death,” the
forecaster cautioned.
Destin is advising that if any symptoms of health illness are present (such as
dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat,
or extreme thirst) immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids; water is
best. The most dangerous heat illness is heat stroke, with symptoms that include
complete or partial loss of consciousness or confusion and high body temperatures.
If caring for someone with those symptoms, call 911 immediately. While waiting
for help, cool the person right away by moving them to a cool place, applying cold
water to large areas of the skin or clothing, and fanning the person as much as
possible.
Destin urged everyone to stay alert and take precautions – stay cool and hydrated.
Check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours. Those who take
medication or have a health condition should ask their doctor if it increases their
health risk in the heat and follow the doctor’s recommendations.
Be prepared! This excessive heat watch will be updated accordingly, and there is a
chance that a warning will be required. Stay tuned to updates coming out of the
Met Office via antiguamet.com, twitter.com/abmetservice,
facebook.com/abmetservice
