MET urges precaution as temperatures rise in April

Maldives Meteorological Service has advised people to take protective measures against the heat as temperatures rise in April – the warmest month of the year.

According to MET, April is the warmest month of the year across Maldives. It is also the transition period between the two monsoons – the Hulhangu Monsoon and the Iruvai Monsoon. The winds weaken significantly and the high humidity stagnates, worsening the warm air temperature and making it feel warmer than it actually is.

Elders, children, outdoor workers and athletes are at risk of heat exhaustion due to the warm temperature. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin, weakness, fainting, dry, hot, red and burned skin, vomiting and fast or weak pulse.

MET urged people to take preventive measures against heat exhaustion, including drinking plenty of water, avoiding drinks with high sugar, wearing light colored clothing, limiting the time spent outdoors during mid-day, and using sunglasses, umbrellas, and SPF-15 sunscreen when outdoors.