The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned the public to brace for a scorching heatwave from today until March 12, with temperatures soaring as high as 41 degrees Celsius. While isolated thundershowers are anticipated this week, citizens are urged to remain vigilant against the sweltering conditions to avoid health complications, including potential fatalities among vulnerable individuals.
According to the department’s statement, the persistent northerly air mass will bring very hot to extremely hot temperatures ranging from 36 to 41 degrees Celsius. “These extremely hot conditions are caused by a combination of factors, such as the persistent northerly air mass or wind flow that originates from the low-pressure system at the surface of the atmosphere and a high-pressure system at upper levels with a strong subsiding motion that prevents the heat energy from escaping into the outer atmosphere
“In addition to these uncomfortably and unbearably hot conditions, thundershowers are expected to occur over some areas of the country,” said the department.
These conditions, MSD said are attributed to a combination of factors, including the ongoing northerly air mass and a strong subsiding motion from upper-level high-pressure systems, hindering heat energy from dissipating into the atmosphere.
In addition to the intense heat, scattered thundershowers are forecasted in various regions of the country and to mitigate the risks associated with the heatwave, the public is advised to stay hydrated by consuming water or other hydrating fluids, minimize sun exposure, seek shade, and utilize wide-brimmed hats or umbrellas.
The department said it would keep monitoring the significant increase in temperatures and update the public.
