How to Survive the Heat Wave: All Your Questions Answered
The rising global temperatures will bring about many changes for the better. However, it will also bring about some problems that we’re not necessarily ready for yet. A heat wave is one such problem. It is a natural disaster of our time, and its frequency is increasing every year. If you’re from India or Australia, you must have faced a heat wave in your lifetime. But what exactly are heat waves? Are they something to worry about? And how do you survive a heat wave? Let’s take a look at these important questions and find out if it’s something you need to worry about right now!
What Is A Heat Wave?
A heat wave is a period of high planetary temperature that occurs when a large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern is disturbed by an intrusion of cold air. During a heat wave, the air is close to its maximum temperature, and the temperature drops across the entire atmosphere. This causes the air in the lower layers of the atmosphere to expand, or heat up. As the warm, humid air rises, cooler and drier air is forced towards the higher altitudes. As the Earth’s climate warms, the average amount of CO2 in the atmosphere increases. This change in the amount of CO2 in the air results in a change in the atmosphere’s temperature.
What To Do In A Heat Wave?
In a heat wave, the public should be careful when outside. It is advised to stay inside where possible, if possible in an air-conditioned room with a fresh air intake ventilated by a fan. If you have to go out, wear a hat and sunscreen, and make sure to drink plenty of water. Also, ensure to check the weather forecast to see what precautions should be taken in your area. In a heat wave, you should also avoid strenuous activity, like exercise or heavy lifting, and drink plenty of water.
Why Is A Heat Wave Happening Now?
The increase in global temperature is mainly due to human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and the increase in the human population. With increasing global temperatures, the amount of water in the air will increase as well, which will make the ground more humid. This will make it difficult for people to survive when they move to areas with high humidity, like the South and East coasts of India and Australia, where the heat wave is occurring.
How To Survive A Heat Wave?
When a heat wave strikes, people should be prepared for the following:
- Wear sunscreen and long-sleeved shirts in the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Enjoy the air-conditioned rooms if possible.
- If you’re outdoors, wear a hat and sunscreen, and make sure to drink water.
- Avoid strenuous activity, like exercise or heavy lifting, and drink plenty of water.
- If you’re not properly hydrated, you will feel exhausted, dizzy, and short-tempered.
- If you’re in an urban area, go to an air-conditioned place if possible.
- If you’re in the desert, go to an oasis or water point.
If possible, stay in the same area where you were when the sun was at its peak. If you have to go out, wear a hat and sunscreen, and make sure to drink plenty of water.
The Rise Of The Global Temperature
The rise in the global temperature is mainly due to the increase in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The concentration of greenhouse gases in the air is higher now than it was in pre-industrial times, which is causing the Earth’s climate to change. The amount of CO2 in the air is higher than in the past and levels of other greenhouse gases like ozone and minor water droplets are also higher.