You must have realized that recently the air temperature is so high, even reaching 37 degrees Celsius. This happened in several areas in Indonesia, including in Jabodetabek. With increasingly hot temperatures and high humidity, people are wondering if our country is being hit by a heatwave?
What is a Heat Wave?
A heat wave is a period of extremely hot weather lasting more than two days, which may or may not be accompanied by high humidity. This condition generally occurs in countries with tropical climates, although it can also occur in subtropical countries.
To determine if an area is experiencing a heat wave, it is usually measured by comparing the weather and the normal temperature of the area.
Heatwaves can have a negative impact on many things, from the environment to health. In the environment, this condition has the potential to cause forest fires, droughts, power outages, and air pollution.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the effects of heatwaves on health include headaches, dehydration, weakness, dry skin, cramps, rashes, irritability, and the occurrence of blood clots in the brain. In addition, WHO also stated that heatwave has contributed to the increasing number of deaths worldwide.
Behind the Extreme Hot Temperatures in Indonesia
Through its official Instagram account, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said that the very hot temperatures currently being felt by some Indonesians were caused by the transition to the dry season.
At this time, the rate of cloud growth and the phenomenon of rain will decrease. In addition, at this time, the apparent position of the sun is also in the north of the equator which causes the temperature to feel hotter than at the beginning of the year.
Then, is the very hot temperature we feel lately a heatwave? BMKG’s Deputy for Meteorology, Guswanto, as quoted from Liputan6.com, stated that the recent very hot temperatures could not be categorized as a heat wave.
He explained, a condition can be called a heat wave if the air temperature is 5 degrees higher than normal temperatures, and occurs for five consecutive days. So, the normal temperature is 36 degrees Celsius, it is called a heatwave if the temperature reaches 41 degrees Celsius or more for five consecutive days.
Currently, the air temperature in Indonesia has not yet reached the heatwave criteria, which is only around 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius. Even so, we still have to consider this as something to be aware of.
Preventing the Negative Impact of Hot Temperature
In order not to be negatively affected by the extremely hot temperatures lately, do the following:
- Reduce activities outside during the day or when the air temperature is high. This includes sunbathing on the beach.
- Always use sunscreen to avoid UV exposure and sunburn.
- Always provide water to prevent dehydration. Make sure not to drink cold water immediately after exposure to the sun.
- Use clothes that absorb sweat, lightweight, and comfortable.
- Do not leave children or toddlers in the car.
- Do not leave flammable objects in a car or motorcycle parked outdoors.
- Cover the windows with curtains during the day, so that the hot sun does not enter the room.
- Avoid showering with warm water after exposure to the sun.
- Use an umbrella or hat to cover the head and face area when outdoors.