The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a cautionary alert regarding potential heat stress across the nation. Accompanied by a visual representation depicting a color-coded map of the country, NiMet highlighted the severity of the heat stress levels.
States including Kano, Gombe, Sokoto, Yobe, and eight others in the Northern region were singled out for urgent action due to the extreme risk posed by the harsh weather conditions, which could escalate to sunstroke.
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Sunstroke, a serious condition resulting from prolonged exposure to the sun, can cause cessation of sweating, exceptionally high body temperatures, and fatigue or unconsciousness.
Residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, and several other states were advised to make preparations as heat stress could lead to muscle cramps, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion.
Additionally, NiMet urged caution among residents in Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, and Osun states, warning of potential muscle cramps, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion, the most severe heat-related illness, occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature.
To combat the heat, NiMet recommended various measures for affected states’ residents, including staying hydrated, seeking cool environments, avoiding leaving children in closed or parked vehicles, wearing lightweight and breathable clothing, limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and maintaining awareness of heat stress risks and preventive measures through public education campaigns.
NiMet emphasized that heat stress results from a combination of factors such as humidity, sunlight, wind, hydration, clothing, and physical fitness.
The agency expressed optimism that rainfall in some Southern regions could temporarily alleviate temperatures.