Jamaicans are being urged to stay hydrated this summer as the Meteorological Service predicts the season to be even hotter-than-normal.

“A noticeable increase in temperatures is expected, as several meteorological stations have already recorded unusually high temperatures, indicating the potential for a hotter-than- normal period,” the Met Service said in response to Observer Online queries.

The warning comes as several European countries, including France, experience intense heat waves.

Commenting on the likelihood of heatwaves locally, the Met Service indicated: “Heatwaves are possible if a station or a particular location exceeds a particular threshold for the day and night-time temperatures for at least two consecutive days. Whilst heatwaves have not been recorded at the locations being monitored, there have been hot days and very hot days at the two international airports as well as Bodles (St Catherine) and Passley Gardens (Portland) in May and June.”

While it noted that Jamaica is in the heat season, which lasts from April to October, the agency indicated that the presence of the weather phenomenon El Niño could make this more pronounced.

“[The year] 2026 is expected to be hotter than the previous year, particularly due to the likelihood of a strong El Niño event developing in the Pacific Ocean, which typically results in hotter temperatures and drier conditions than normal for us in Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean,” the agency said

As such, above-normal temperatures are expected from July straight to December, increasing the likelihood of warmer daytime and nighttime conditions over the next six months.

Residents are likely already feeling the burn. According to the Met Service, there’s a 70 to 80 per cent chance of above-normal temperatures this week, potentially causing heat stress on the southern plains and in urban areas.

Similar advice is also being shared for the week of July 6 to 12, when the agency says temperatures are 60 to 80 per cent likely to be above-normal.

In the meantime, Marsha-Ann Palmer, occupational and environmental health officer at the Western Regional Health Authority, says some people will be more vulnerable than others to the increased temperatures.

“The elderly, they will be more at risk. Young children, persons who are pregnant… they’re vulnerable because of their condition; they’ll get dehydrated in a shorter period of time,” she explained.

Making note of construction workers and streetside vendors, she noted that these groups will likely be exposed not just to intense heat, but also dust as the ground becomes parched.

Palmer shared several tips for keeping healthy and safe amid the warmer temps, including:

–        Limiting exposure to the direct heat

–        Keeping to shaded areas while outside

–        Maintaining adequate hydration, especially the elderly and children

–        Limiting activities to cooler times, like early morning or late evening

–        Wearing loose-fitting clothing

–        Keeping windows open and allowing for ventilation as much as possible.

She noted that with summer holidays approaching, children and the elderly are often left at home together.

“Sometimes to keep them protected, the place may be locked [up]; you want to ensure at least that the windows are open so you have ventilation throughout the house to allow for cooling,” she said

Palmer encouraged residents to utilise fans as much as possible, especially at night when homes tend to be closed up for security, to help with the air circulation.

She also noted that vulnerable populations should be monitored for signs of dehydration, including headache, fatigue, disorientation, light-headedness, thirst, dark yellow urine, increased heart rate, confusion, dryness of the mouth, and fainting.

“For children, if they’re crying and there are no tears, you know, that could be a sign. Babies at the front of their head have a soft spot. We call it the mole, but it’s really the fontanelle. It may be sunken, and the Pampers may not be as wet, meaning they’re not peeing as much as they would normally,” she explained.

Regarding working-age adults, Palmer acknowledged that Jamaicans tend to adhere to a very strict dress code which can cause issues with heat.

“I don’t think that type of dressing was really designed for our tropical [country]. Wear loose clothing, short sleeves. The jacket really is a no-no unless you’re in an air-conditioned room or space. Wear cotton clothing as best as possible… breathable material,” she urged.

“Really, I think as a country, we need to, and it has to come from the highest levels in government, where we look at stately attire… You have formal wear for formal functions, but outside of that, you really want persons to relax with the kind of formal dressing that covers from head to toe, especially in an area that is not well-ventilated or it’s not air-conditioned,” she said.

Palmer urged Jamaicans to lay off activities during the hottest points of the day, usually between 12 and two including exercise, playing and gardening.