What are Summer Heat Waves and How to Avoid Them?

When you are living in the midst of a heatwave, you are dealing with so much more than feeling a little bit uncomfortable due to the heat. Heatwaves are known to cause issues with the way your body functions. This includes your mental health, your physical health, and your overall ability to think. It is, therefore, important that you understand protection against heat waves.

What is a heatwave?

The temperature experienced during a heatwave will be different dependent on where you live. A heatwave, in England, would be cooler than a heatwave in Florida. It is all based upon the average temperature in a particular area. In most definitions, this period should be for at least 5-days and the temperature must be at least 5 Celsius (5 Fahrenheit) above that average.

It doesn't matter where you live, or what the temperature of your heatwave is. The experience will be the 'same'. You are used to a certain temperature, and now it is drastically hotter than what you normally deal with. This causes issues. Thankfully, protection against heat waves is pretty easy.

UV Protection Swimwear and Sunscreen

It is vital that you wear UV protective swimwear and apply sunscreen during a heatwave. This will help to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. It is important that you purchase a good quality sun protection clothing and sunscreen. It should also be the highest UPF factor for clothing and SPF factor for sunscreen, you can afford for ultimate protection. Make sure that it is layered on the areas of your skin that are exposed. You will need to reapply throughout the day.

Stay in the shade

Avoid leaving the shade during a heatwave. If you must be fully exposed to the heat, then stay out for as little as possible. The most common 'problem' related to heatwaves are heat strokes, which can prove fatal. While staying in the shade will not completely eliminate the risk of a heat stroke, it will cut it considerably.

Use an air conditioner or fan

If you are inside, then switch on your air conditioner. If you don't have one, then make sure that you have a fan pointed towards you. You can also purchase 'temporary air conditioners', but these can be quite expensive.

Drink water...and lots of it!

You are going to be sweating a lot during a heat wave. It is not uncommon for people to become dehydrated. Drink more water than you normally do. Make sure that you always have cold water ready to go. Sip it throughout the day. This will cut the risk of heat stroke even further. Do not drink alcohol or drinks that are loaded with caffeine as these will dehydrate you faster.

Wear the right clothing

Wear loose fitting clothing. Do not wear anything too 'heavy'. If the fabric can't breathe, then you are running the risk of suffering from heat stroke. Make sure that you are wearing a hat to protect your face and head.

Cool yourself down throughout the day

Always take the time to cool yourself down throughout the day. Cold showers, or even a small amount of water splashed on the face, will work wonders when it comes to protection against heat waves.

It may also be worth looking up the symptoms of heat stroke. If you spot the symptoms of heat stroke in anybody, then make sure you move them into the shade. Do not give them any water. You need to contact the emergency services as soon as possible.