Pay Close Attention To Extreme Heat!

Residents on Montserrat have been urged to pay close attention to extreme heat conditions which started about a week or so ago.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a heat wave warning for Montserrat and the other northern Leeward Islands.

Residents are being warned to take the necessary precautionary measures to cope with this weather occurrence that is creating temperatures up to 31.7 °C.

With low rainfall and relatively high temperatures expected for the next few days, a heatwave advisory has been issued to keep residents up to date.

The notice from the Met Office explains that a heatwave advisory is 2 or more consecutive days of temperatures 31.7 °C or greater.

According to meteorolgist Dale Destin, the combination of hifgh temperatures, relatively high humidity, and light winds, will result in these extreme heat conditions, posing significant threat to public health and safety.

The notice advises citizens of some coping measures including avoiding closed spaces, drinking plenty of water to remain hydrated, dressing appropriately and taking care of the elderly and the very young, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions, or psychiatric illnesses.

Symptoms of heat illness include dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, or extreme thirst.

The MEt office is impressing upon persons presenting with such symptoms to immediately move to a cool place, drink plenty of water and seek medical attenton if the symptoms persist or worsen

A 2021 study funded by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) showed that besides heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat stroke, and accelerated death from respiratory diseases, there is the added risk of increased deaths from heatwaves. The most vulnerable are outdoor workers. Conducted by Public Health Specialist Dr Lindonna Telesford, the study developed the methodology to do heat health studies for the Caribbean. It was one of the initiatives leading up to the development of the Health National Adaptation Plan for Grenada.