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Severe heat levels next week; expert raises alarm over sports events
View(s):Be “extremely cautious” of outdoor activities next week as the rising heat levels could cause people to go into a heatstroke.
Sports meets and cricket matches should take place before 10 in the morning or after 3 in the afternoon, says Dr. Ajith Amarasinghe
This is the warning from Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Ajith Amarasinghe in the light of many sports meets and cricket matches compelling children to be out in the heat.
“Humidity levels in Colombo are around 70-75 percent. Next week’s predicted temperature is 30-31C which will give a Heat Index Value between 32-41C,” he explains, urging everyone to be extremely cautious about heatstroke.
He says that to prevent heatstroke, men, women and children should avoid vigorous physical activities under direct sunlight. If there are scheduled events such as sports meets and cricket matches, where children are expected to be out in the open, these events should be held before 10 in the morning or after 3 in the afternoon.
People should try to cover their heads with hats or scarves and wear loose clothing, while taking lots of fluids, he says, pointing out that it would be dangerous to engage in physical activities and sports outdoors at peak heat times.
People will experience symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to a heat-stroke. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches and dizziness, Dr. Amarasinghe, a member of the Environmental Chapter of the International Paediatric Association, says, advising school authorities planning sports events around this time to take heed.
Some people, however, may develop symptoms of heatstroke suddenly and rapidly without warning. The danger is that heatstroke may even cause death, he warns.
