Temperatures will reach dangerously high levels and threaten health, Destin advises

Antigua and Barbuda is facing dangerously hot temperatures, and
this has compelled the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services
to upgrade the current excessive heat watch to a warning.

This went into effect on Wednesday, October 11, and will remain
until next Tuesday, October 17, for the entire island.
Forecaster Dale Destin says the Heat Index or Feels-Like
Temperature will reach a maximum of around 50°C or 122°F, from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, until next week.

The maximum heat index is likely to occur during the early
afternoons, he says. 

Destin says the combination of high temperatures, relatively high
humidity, and light winds will result in dangerously hot conditions.
Accordingly, the threat of health problems, for mainly sensitive
people, is expected to be high. 

These problems include heat illnesses, such as cramps, exhaustion
and stroke among the elderly and young children; people with
chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties and heart conditions;
and psychiatric illnesses.

Heat illnesses can lead to long-term health problems and heat stroke
can lead to death, Destin warns. 

An excessive heat warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of
dangerously hot conditions.

According to Destin, “The threshold for this warning is when the
maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 41°C or 106°F
or higher, for two or more consecutive days, with winds [of 18 km
an hour, or 11 mph, or less.]”