By Chantalé Fletcher
SEPTEMBER is the peak of the local heat season in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) described the local heat season as days when the temperature reached (34.0°C or greater), which was very likely and common for the month to have hot days.
Meteorologist, Ean Wallace in post on the TTMS Facebook page on Sunday said, “The wet season temperatures are warmer than the dry season temperatures, with September being the warmest wet season month and March being the warmest in the dry season.”
“Over the last week, there were fluctuating days of maximum temperatures reaching or exceeding 34.0°C, and Sunday was another one, with temperatures already at 34.0°C in Piarco and 32 0°C in Crown Point,” Officials said.
Over the upcoming days, people can expect for hotter days ahead.
TTMS warned that these levels of high temperatures can be hazardous to persons who may be particularly vulnerable to heated conditions, such as older or frail persons, persons with long-term or serious illnesses, young children and disabled adults who need help responding to the heat.
Members of the public are asked to refrain from leaving persons enclosed in parked vehicles, especially infants, young children and animals.
Enjoy these tips to protect yourself from the heat:
- Check on a friend or neighbour and have someone do the same for you;
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing;
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated;
- Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade;
- Take cool showers or baths;
- Spend time in air-conditioned areas, and reduce direct exposure to the sun;
- Limit your outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest;
- Be on alert for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke; and
- Ensure to wear a breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester for face masks. If you feel overheated or have difficulty breathing, remove it at once.
