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Water and more water to counter, heat, humidity and dehydration
View(s):By Nadia Fazlulhaq
Health officials advise the public to drink more water and remain indoors as much as possible, with meteorologists forecasting the warm weather to continue till at least mid April. The warm weather will peak over the weekend with the sun posting itself right over Sri Lanka on April 5.
Meteorology Dept’s Senior Meteorologist Merryl Mendis told the Sunday Times, “Usually, during this period, the sun’s rays heat the land causing high temperatures.
“Unfortunately, in addition to the seasonally high temperatures and the still air, the air is saturated with water vapour. Hence, the high humidity, which causes severe bodily discomfort, as the perspiration does not evaporate,”he said. Rohini Seneviratne, Professor in Community Medicine advised that though this is the season for the outdoors, people should ensure a large intake of fluids, with water being the ideal drink, followed by king coconut and fresh fruit juices, while avoiding fizzy, carbonated drinks to quench their thirst caused by dehydration, with children more susceptible to dehydration.
“Wear comfortable, cotton clothing to absorb excessive sweating and stay cool, and while indoors, keep windows open to allow maximum ventilation,”she said. On March 21, the sun was directly over the equator and moving towards Sri Lanka.
According to the Met. Dept, on April 5, the sun was directly over the southern-most latitudes of the island. On April 7 and 8, it will be passing over Colombo, while it will exit from the northern-most latitudes of Sri Lanka on April 14, in its journey into the northern hemisphere.
Mr. Mendis said that the prevailing inter-monsoon condition can bring little relief, with scattered thundershowers around the island, while warm weather conditions will prevail overall. “Very localised thundershowers are expected in the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara Districts. There is a possibility of strong winds and lightning during rainy spells,” he added.
The North-Central Province has been experiencing the highest temperatures of 35.2 degrees Celsius in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Districts, followed by Vavuniya District with 34 degrees. The temperatures in other areas of the country were between 30 and 33 degrees.
Taking shade: Colombo
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