Muscat: While all cities in the Sultanate encountered high temperatures in the mid-40s for the third straight day on Monday, a little reprieve is expected in the coming days.
At the time of writing this report, Muscat (Seeb station) had a temperature of around 38℃, which was relatively milder compared to the last three days.
Suhar recorded the highest temperature 47.4℃ on Tuesday followed by Qurriyat (47.3℃) and Liwa (46.9℃) as the coastal areas of the Sea of Oman witnessed a noticeable rise in temperatures during the past 24 hours.
Nizwa (43℃), Bidbid (44℃), Rustaq (42℃), and Salalah ((33℃) while in the capital Seeb ((42℃) and Amerat ((45℃) are expected to be hottest places on Tuesday.
Temperatures are likely to come down marginally to around 40℃ in some cities during the course of the week, the met official said. Several malls have been witnessing an increase in footfall as they offer easy breaks from the summer heat for the local residents.
With the mid-day break rule yet to come into effect, construction workers are seen in action during the afternoon even when the heat is at its peak, sparking demands that this rule should be advanced to mid-May as the summer sets in early in Oman compared to other GCC countries.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) urged people, especially outdoor workers, to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the afternoon, as there is a possibility of experiencing sunstrokes, heat exhaustion, and other symptoms associated with high temperatures.
Many jobs and field activities require workers to be exposed to sunlight and high temperatures,” the report said.
It urged that work hours for workers should include rest periods during the peak heat hours. The WHO warned people to avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day.
“Take cool showers or baths. Alternatives include cold packs and wraps, towels, sponging, foot baths, etc. Wear light, loose-fitting clothes made of natural materials. If you go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses. Use light bed linen, sheets, and no cushions to avoid heat accumulation,” the WHO said.
The WHO has warned that people should keep their bodies cool and hydrated by taking cool showers or baths during a heatwave.
Other measures include the use of cold packs and wraps, towels, sponging, and foot baths to keep cool, and wearing light, loose-fitting clothes of natural materials. It also suggests drinking water regularly but avoiding too much caffeine and sugar. Eat small meals and eat more often.
If you feel dizzy, weak, anxious, or have intense thirst and headache during a heatwave, it is best to move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature. Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate, WHO said.
During a heatwave. ideally, the room temperature should be kept below 32 °C during the day and 24 °C during the night. This is especially important for infants or adults over the age of 60 or who have chronic health conditions.
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