Oman weather: Sultanate braces for heatwave

MUSCAT: A heatwave is likely to sweep across Oman, starting from Tuesday and lasting until Saturday, said a global meteorologist.
“I can see a spell of hot weather from Tuesday through Saturday. The heat should be back to more typical levels on Sunday,” said senior meteorologist Jason Nicholls.
“There will be a strengthening high aloft over Saudi Arabia, causing the heat to build,” the meteorologist added.
Oman meteorology department’s data reveals that on Saturday, the maximum temperatures in Suwaiq, Fahud, Quriyat, Bid Bid and Khasab were hovering around 44 degree Celsius.
In March itself, meteorologists had warned Oman to brace for a hotter summer, starting from May.
New data released by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reveals that last month was the hottest April on record.
Meanwhile, a Muscat-based dermatologist said by not going out in the direct sun, avoiding extensive physical activity, avoid caffeinated drinks (like aerated drinks) and avoid wearing dark, heavy or tight clothing, are some of the measures that can keep people safe during the heat wave.
“Recognise the signs of heat stroke like heat rash or heat cramps such as weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating and seizures and approach a medic without any delay. Workers toiling under the sun should drink water and take oral hydration drinks. They should also find time to rest in shade and place a cool, wet cloth on your head to cool off,” Dr Shibu Mohammed, the dermatologist, said.
However, the dermatologist warned against excessive use of sunscreen lotions, fairness creams and other cosmetics as these might lead to skin damage. “So, always take a medic’s advice before buying one,” the dermatologist added.
Work injuries
An official at the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) had recently said that most work injuries are reported during summer.
“Since some workers are exposed to direct sunlight, they might suffer a sunstroke while being in a dangerous location, which can eventually lead to death,” the PACDA official said.
The NASA information showed that April 2016 was the sixth month in a row when mercury was more than one per cent above the 1951-1980 average.
“The April figures continued the remarkably warm start to 2016, with each month among a handful over the most abnormally hot months in more than 130 years of global figures,” the NASA information said.