Humidity levels well above normal

HUMIDITY levels have been well above average for the time of year, the Meteorological Service said yesterday.

Director Kyriacos Theophilou said that, combined with the high temperatures, the humidity levels are causing several medical difficulties.

“On Thursday at 3pm, the mercury hit 41 degrees Celsius inland, with 39 degrees recorded yesterday and 38 degrees expected over the weekend,” he said.

According to the weather chief, 40 per cent humidity has been recorded in Nicosia over the last several days at 3pm, with levels rising to 80 per cent from 7pm until the morning.

Eighty per cent has also been recorded in Paphos, 55 per cent in Larnaca and 51 per cent in Paralimni.

Theophilou added that “things could have been worse” had temperatures reached their seasonal highs of up to 43C.

“Due to the high humidity levels and a slight atmospheric instability, there is an increased chance of rain on higher ground and inland over the weekend,” he said.

Effects on the body

THE human body sheds heat by a combination of evaporation of perspiration, heat convection in the surrounding air, and thermal radiation. Under conditions of high humidity, the evaporation of sweat from the skin is decreased and the body’s efforts to maintain an acceptable body temperature may be significantly impaired.

Also, if the atmosphere is as warm as or warmer than the skin during times of high humidity, blood brought to the body surface cannot shed heat by conduction to the air, and a condition called hyperpyrexia results.

With so much blood going to the external surface of the body, relatively less goes to the active muscles, the brain, and other internal organs. Physical strength declines and fatigue occurs sooner than it would otherwise. Alertness and mental capacity also may be affected. This resulting condition is called heat stroke or hyperthermia.

High humidity levels can also cause discomfort to the aged and those with breathing difficulties.

Symptoms such as dehydration, cramping, and headaches are also not uncommon.

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