KINGSTON, Jamaica — With higher-than-normal temperatures between one and three degrees expected over the course of this week, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton is reminding the public to avoid direct sun and stay hydrated.

Tufton was speaking during a post-cabinet briefing at Jamaica House with Information Minister Robert Morgan.

Addressing the media, Dr Tufton said, “The heat is an issue and will become an issue…An advisory is out.”

“There are basic things that you do. I was talking to some young students yesterday and was telling them that they need to avoid direct exposure to the sun as best as possible and rehydrate with water, not with sugary drinks,” he stressed.

On Monday, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica rubbished reports that over the next few days the country could experience a rise in temperature of five degrees above normal.

It said that while the island is experiencing an increase in temperature levels, the data indicated higher-than-normal temperatures between one and three degrees and not five as is being circulated.

The Met Service said the recent readings remain consistent with temperature levels being experienced over the past few weeks and are in keeping with “elevated global temperatures since the start of the year”.

READ: Met Service confirms increase in temperatures, says readings circulated on social media ‘misleading’