Pic by Salim Matramkot/ The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) stated that today, July 16, marks the beginning of a summer period that leads to escalating heat and rising humidity.
"Today marks the beginning of the 'Al-Hana'a' star, characterized by escalating heat and rising humidity levels," tweeted the department.
Over the course of the next 13-days, temperatures will rise significantly, intensifying the heat, it warned.
It also added that this period will also see a reduction in drought-like conditions and an increase in humidity, that will be particularly noticeable along the coast line.
These changes in weather patterns contribute to the formation of light fog and a general decrease in wind activity, resulting in calmer winds, it added.
Meanwhile, medical resident at the Emergency Department in HMC, Dr Aisha Ali Al Sada, shared symptoms of heat stroke and tips on preventing it.
Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, sweating, sever thirst, increased heart rate, redness of skin, headache, dizziness and nausea, loss of consciouness and severe fatigue, she added.
Drinking a lot of fluids and water to maintain hydration is one of the best ways to prevent a heat stroke. Other tips include wear loose, comfortable and light colour clothes and avoid sun exposure around noon time from 11am to 3pm. This is important especially for children, elderly and patients with chronic diseases.
It helps to take a cold-water shower or use cold pads to reduce body temperature and to stop any exhausting activity, when tired.
In case of a heat stroke, transfer the person immediately to a cool area, lay the individual down on his/her back, with head and shoulders raised. Then give the individual cold water or an iced drink and put cold pads. Call 999 if the condition does not improves after 30 minutes or if the body temperature is higher than 40 degrees, added Dr Al Sada.
