Residents across Nigeria are expressing their concerns about the scorching heatwave, with some raising health concerns like sweating and heat rashes
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently confirmed the heatwave and warned that it is likely to persist for several days.
In a weather outlook released this year, NiMet reported air temperatures reaching 41°C in the north and 39°C in the south.
NiMet cautioned that the extreme heat can lead to dehydration, which can lead to fainting, skin conditions, and weakness; heat-related illnesses; respiratory problems; and increased vulnerability to chronic health issues.”
NiMet’s forecast indicates a high risk of heatstroke, muscle cramps, and heat exhaustion for residents in Ikeja, Lagos, Warri and Asaba in Delta State, and other parts of the country.
In a vox pop conducted by Guardian TV, some Lagosians expressed their frustration with the relentless heat.
One resident, simply identified as Adenike, expressed a fear that the heat might be a sign of divine punishment.
“This heat is unbearable! It makes me wonder if God is trying to punish us with fire.” Adenike said
Another resident also stated, “With the way I am feeling right now, if I am asked to stay under ice, I will stay under ice because the weather is hot. It is really really hot. Coming out of your house, you are entering under the hot weather, Going back to your house, you are still entering under hot weather. Your house is not conductive enough, because even the AC is not even doing what it is supposed to do.”
The environmental editor for the Guardian newspaper, Chinedum Uwaegbulam, explained that “the abnormal hot air” people are experiencing now is due to changing weather patterns.
These patterns, according to Uwaegbulam, are more rampant in both the north and south of the country and it is believed that climate change activities are contributing to this phenomenon.
He added that the effects of these heatwaves are widespread, impacting children, elderli, pregnant mothers, and vulnerable populations.
Many residents also noted that they have resorted to desperate measures to cope.
Some say they bathe five times a day, while others say they sleep without clothes and the inconsistent power supply forces some residents to use generators.
To cope with the heat, NiMet advises Nigerians to stay hydrated by consuming plenty of fluids, wearing loose-fitting clothing to minimise exposure to high temperatures and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
“Air temperatures have reached 41°C in the north and 39°C in the south, with models predicting these temperatures to remain high for the foreseeable future,” the forecast states.
“Advisories- adequate fluid intake, seek shade, use fans, and wear light, breathable clothing to reduce exposure to high temperatures. Avoid strenuous physical activity during peak heat hours (stay indoors as much as possible between 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm evening time).”
A public health physician, Dr Emmanuel Bola, gave advice to Nigerians struggling with the heat, stating that they should “have enough alternative sources of power supply. Aside from the national grid, especially in areas where it might not be sufficient, consider solar power to ensure your fans are running or invest in generators to power your AC sometimes.”
The physician, noting the importance of staying cool, urged that one “take regular cold water baths throughout the day when your body needs it, For those who are able, take walks in the evenings, visit gardens, or go for a swim. Even lying down in cool water can help regulate your body temperature.”
He also warned people with underlying medical conditions to avoid excessive heat exposure and for those in extremely hot areas to be particularly cautious about their body temperature.
