MET Office cautions residents about excessive heat and says a watch will be put in place by mid-week
Meteorologists are warning residents about the very hot weather conditions the country has been experiencing over the last several weeks, with an Excessive Heat Watch to be put in place by mid week.
The winds across Antigua and Barbuda have been high for quite some time now. However, climatologist Dale Destin says the slackening of the pressure gradient is expected to cause the winds to become light, resulting in favourable conditions for warmer-than-usual weather.
These conditions should be felt from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, and Thursday, June 23.
Destin says the mixture of light winds, heat and humidity will possibly result in the heat index – or feels-like temperature threat –rising to high levels, with the potential for extensive impacts on mainly vulnerable people.
In this case, there is the potential for the heat index to rise above 41 degrees Celsius or 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
“This level of heat puts everyone at risk for heat illnesses; however, the risks are greatest for the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses, and people who work or exercise in the heat, homeless people and low-income earners.”
He is advising persons to be prepared for the excessive heat and to drink plenty of fluids, mainly water, in order to stay hydrated.
