A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot water, coupled with high humidity, particularly in oceanic climates. Defined by the World Meteorological Organisation, a heat wave occurs when the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average 5 degree celsius mark for at least 5 consecutive days. The events have a significant impact on human health, ecosystems, wildlife and infrastructure. Factors like stagnating high pressure systems can trap warm air increasing the amount of heat.
Listed below are the 5 effects that extreme heat causes on human health.
Heat Exhaustion
Conditions include heavy sweating, weakness, turning cold and pale skin, a fast but weak pulse, and possibly fainting. These things occur as the body tries to cool itself.
Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke is a severe medical emergency caused by the body’s failure to regulate its temperature. Symptoms include high body temperature, absence of sweating, hot red and flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behaviour, hallucinations, agitation and confusion.
Dehydration
During a heat wave, the human body loses more fluid through sweat, leading to a worse form of dehydration if not fluids are consumed. The condition can impair various body functions, leading to complications like kidney stones, urinary tract infections and in severe cases kidney failure.
Worsening of Chronic Conditions
Excessive heat can increase the chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney diseases as the body struggles to deal with sudden extreme weather conditions.
Mental Health Impacts
Extreme heat can increase stress, anxiety and other metal health issues. As extreme weather conditions limit humans to interact socially, it can lead to social distancing, isolation, depression and decreased mental performance.
