The Nigerian meteorological agency (NiMeT), has warned Nigerians to observe basic precaution as some parts of Nigeria have been sweltering through extreme heat precipitated by an upsurge in temperatures in the past weeks. The worst hit states, according to investigations, are Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa.
The temperatures began soaring since March, hovering between 38 and 43 Celsius in most of the states, sending waves of discomfort.
“This period is largely expected to be the warmest in the year because of the diurnal and periodic surge in the incursion of the southwesterly trade winds which will invariably accentuate the potential latent heat capacity of water vapor, an important contributor to urban heat quotient,” the official advisory said.
The hot weather which lasts for several days, often referred to as ‘a heat wave,’ according to NiMet, “can have a significant impact on our health. The impacts of heat waves can be great and sometimes catastrophic.”
Some of the health challenges that may arise from the surging temperatures include heat rash, heat syncope, heat oedema, heat cramps, life-threatening heatstroke, heat exhaustion, the agency
Health experts have warned Nigerians to take precautionary measures against the heat wave that bites harder by the day.
A medical doctor, Dr Mohammad Sulieman Usman, advised that individuals must keep themselves hydrated with taking at least 3-4 litres of water per day. He further advised that people should try and avoid the peak period of the sun between 12-3 pm by minimizing movements. Usman said people should try as much as possible to stay in well-ventilated areas because heat and lack of ventilation lead to so many epidemics.
“People diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes is a period that they should pay attention to drugs and regular visits to the hospital for checks,” he said
