Residents should take care as extremely hot days are being followed by very cool nights, MET Office warns

While the MET Office has predicted temperatures falling into the teens (Celsius) over the next few days, so, too, has it issued an Excessive Heat Advisory for Antigua and Barbuda.

Therefore, while the nights will be cold, the days will be extremely hot and humid.

The advisory went into effect from Thursday and continues until Saturday, November 27, between 10 am and 2 pm. 

The MET Office says the threshold for this advisory “is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be in the range of 38 to 41 °C or 100 to 106 °F, for any length of time, for two or more consecutive days, with the winds [at] … 10 mph or less.”

Officials say that everyone is at risk; however, sensitive groups, such as the elderly, young children, and people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses, are at a greater risk of developing complications.

Additionally, people who work or exercise in the heat, the homeless, and low-income earners can also be impacted.

The MET Office is advising that “heat illnesses can lead to long-term health problems and heat stroke can lead to death.”

“If any symptoms of illness are present (such as dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, or extreme thirst), immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids; water is best,” the MET Office cautions.