Muscat: As around 780,000 students return to their classes today (Tuesday), there is this unusual pressure on parents and teachers to keep their children healthy as temperatures continue to be in the range of mid-thirties to mid-forties.
Oman Meteorology has warned that the feel-like temperature will be higher (compared to the actual temperature) over the coastal areas of the Sea of Oman due to the relatively very high humidity.
Health experts have warned that special care should be taken if the buses for children are not air-conditioned and they can be subject to dehydration and heatstrokes.
Children are more at risk of heat-related illness as they are likely to lose fluid more and more likely to become dehydrated than adults in extreme heat.
Humidity is the main factor in heat-related illness and children should avoid venturing into the direct sun until there is a moderation in temperatures. Outdoor activities should be engaged only in shaded areas or air-conditioned halls.
Health experts say parents and teachers should monitor closely heat-related illness and necessary measures should be taken immediately.
Indian schools in the Sultanate of Oman that reopened earlier this year have been taking adequate measures by limiting outdoor activities though temperatures were relatively moderate at the start of this month.
Speaking to the Observer, Fatma al Balushi, a parent said, "September is still a summer month but this year we are facing the impact of global warming. Parents can support their children by providing them with adequate quantities of water and fruits in
their lunch boxes. They should also avoid supplying them with fried and salty snacks."
An official at Oman Meteorology said there will be some drop in temperatures in the coming days after this spell of heatwave.
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