Temperatures set to hit the 40s again

TEMPERATURES are expected to hit the forties again with weather forecasts predicting a new heat wave starting tomorrow.

Yesterday, the Head of the Meteorological Service Kyriacos Theophilou warned of an increase in temperature, but added that the heat wave would not be as bad as the two heat waves that claimed the lives of several elderly people around the island in June and July.

“The temperature will increase about one and a half degree above normal and will reach 39 to 40 degrees Celsius” said Theophilou. “Luckily, this time the humidity will stay at normal levels.”

With the heat expected to return, doctors are advising the public to avoid the sun, especially during certain times of the day when the heat is at its peak.

“The extreme weather conditions prevail mainly during the midday hours, between 11am and 4pm, so it’s better not to stay in the sun during these times of a day,” explained Dr Beatrice Demetriou of Limassol General Hospital.

“This especially concerns the elderly, because of the medication they are taking, and young children. People with chronic health problems, like problems of the heart, kidney or lungs are also more likely to be affected. They shouldn’t go out at all, or at least as little as possible.”

The doctor also advised the public to stay in air-conditioned places whenever possible.

Dr Demetriou added that people “should drink a lot of liquids, avoid alcohol, and eat light foods, such as fruits and vegetables, preferably without spices. Light clothes are also a good way to cope with the heat wave.”

Headaches, dizziness, bouts of feeling flushed, a fever with a temperature of over 40C, breathing difficulties, disorientation, as well as fainting and in extreme cases comatose conditions are the usual symptoms of heatstroke.

A person in this condition should be immediately moved to a cool place and given lots of liquid and salts, before seeking medical treatment.

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