Heatwave Danger : Understanding the Risks and Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

Heatwaves refers to a period of hot weather that lasts over five consecutive days. Heatwaves are caused by disturbances in atmospheric dynamics that cause air to be trapped in an area resulting in a stationary airflow. In fact, Heatwaves can occur due to global warming caused by human activities such as the use of energy that damages the earth’s ozone layer. Long-term drought can be one of the reasons air becomes trapped due to dry soil and reduces the level of air humidity so that the soil cannot absorb heat.The environment or area can be considered as Heat Waves if the daily maximum temperature is higher than the average daily maximum temperature of 5 degree Celcius or more.

Heat waves can be characterized by low or high humidity. Low humidity can worsen dryness, while high humidity can worsen health impacts. In Indonesia, hot weather is not a heat wave phenomenon, but is caused by the apparent movement of the sun. Heatwaves can occur due to several factors, example like El Nino event Changes in wind patterns in the Pacific Ocean during El Nino can cause air temperatures to increase in various regions of the world. Solar radiation Other factors such as heating from the sun can also cause heat waves. Sunlight entering the earth will of course be absorbed by the soil and water which can ultimately cause the temperature to increase. Greenhouse effect Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and industrial waste produce various types of gas. The carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen oxide gasses that are released are then captured by the atmosphere so that they can increase the air temperature. Weather and climate is certainly an important aspect of all natural phenomena, one of which is heat waves. Areas that tend to have dry and hot climates, such as deserts or tropical regions, are more likely to experience heat waves.

These heat waves could cause damage to both the earth and to those living in it. We are exposed to more risks in these situations since prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It is also associated with higher mortality rates particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions (Rossiello, 2019). It is found that heat waves can result in significant economic losses due to damages to infrastructure, agriculture, and industry as people seek cooler climates thus placing additional strain on infrastructure. It can also lead to crop failure and impacting livestock health affecting food security and potentially causing food shortages (Gakaev, 2024).

During an extreme heatwave, staying hydrated is crucial—drink water often and avoid alcohol or caffeine. Limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and if you must go outside, wear loose, light clothing and stay in the shade. Use air conditioning or fans indoors, or visit air-conditioned places like malls. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Eat light, refreshing foods like fruits and salads to help stay cool. Be mindful of vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or children, and check on them regularly. Watch for signs of heat-related illness, such as dizziness, nausea, or heavy sweating, and take action if needed by moving to a cooler place and drinking water. If you exercise, do it early or late in the day to avoid the hottest hours. These steps can help you stay safe during extreme heat.

Heatwaves significantly affect both people and also the environment, by risking human health also causing economic and infrastructure damage. The frequency of these extreme heat waves happened by factors such as global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate conditions. To mitigate the negative impact of these events, it is essential to stay hydrated, and seek cool, air-conditioned environments. Also wearing clement clothing, using sunscreen, and consuming hydrating foods to preserve our body. In addition, we can also help to mitigate these heat waves by lessening motor vehicle use and taking public transportation instead in an attempt to reduce gas emission.

References

• Rossiello, M. R., & Szema, A. (2019). Health Effects of Climate Change-induced Wildfires
  and Heatwaves. Cureus, 11(5), e4771. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.4771
• Gakaev, R., Gatsaeva, L., & Eskiev, M. (2024). Impacts of Greenhouse Gas-induced Climate
  Change: Risks, Vulnerabilities, and Adaptation Strategies. E3S Web of Conferences.
• Weeramanthri, T. S., Quilty, S., & Campbell, S. L. (2021). Climate, extreme heat and human
  health: risks and lessons for Australia. The Medical journal of Australia, 215(9),
  393–395. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.51293