Jamaicans who were broiling in the sweltering temperatures during the summer holidays will likely have to endure more discomfort as the Meteorologist Service of Jamaica is predicting higher than normal night-time temperatures for most of September to November 2023.

The Met Service made the prediction in its Extreme heat, drought and rainfall report published in late May. The office said there were “no updates” to the report when contacted by OBSERVER ONLINE last week.

Marked by heatwaves and fires, global temperatures hit new records this summer, with July 2023 being the hottest month ever recorded on Earth – July’s global average temperature of 16.95 degrees Celsius was 0.33 degrees Celsius higher than the previous record set in 2019.

In Jamaica, the summer has been a sizzle following the Met Service’s prediction of at least 15 to 20 heatwave days through to the end of August 2023.

Government said it is treating the enhanced heat and drought as a national emergency, with Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton and minister with responsibility for climate affairs, Senator Matthew Samuda, being part of a Cabinet team which has been working across the Government to see how it can respond in a way that will offer relief and support to Jamaicans who really need help.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has warned the public that excessive heat stress is harmful to health and can be potentially fatal.

The public, especially the vulnerable (elderly, children under six years and bedridden persons) are, therefore, advised to take precautionary measures to reduce exposure to heat and limit the serious effects it can have on the body.

Typically, heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions such as a rash or cramps to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as heatstroke. In order to prevent illness associated with the heat, members of the public are encouraged to:

• Hydrate with cool water, especially when it is hot and humid.

• Drink more fluids, limit or avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and beverages that contain alcohol.

• Drink more water than normal before, during and after vigorous activities (at least 15 minutes before, and take fluid breaks at least every 15 minutes).

• Exercise indoors where possible.

• Drink more water than normal if one is exposed to heat for long periods (greater than two hours).

• Avoid the sun during the middle of the day, such as by limiting, as much as possible, outdoor activities to mornings and evenings; and seeking out shade when outdoors.

• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics.