High humidity causes temperature to feel like 105°F

Members of the public should take all necessary precautions to protect their health as the temperature in the Cayman Islands reaches hazardous highs.

According to Cayman Islands National Weather Service forecast for Tuesday, 27 June, temperatures will rise to the low 90s degrees Fahrenheit (over 30 degrees Celsius).

But due to high humidity, the heat index – or what the temperature feels like – will reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) and continue into Thursday.

According to the US National Weather Service website, a heat index of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or more is likely to cause sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion.

Heat stroke is also possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity, it says.

“When the body gets too hot, it begins to perspire or sweat to cool itself off.  If the perspiration is not able to evaporate, the body cannot regulate its temperature.”

Dr Elizabeth McLaughlin, clinical head of department for accident and emergency at Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, offered advice for hot days:

• Stay out of the sun and indoors as much as possible, especially between 11am and 3pm.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen.
• Staying hydrated with water or non-alcoholic drinks.
• Avoiding extreme exercise.
• Cool the skin (ice packs wrapped in cloth under the armpits or around the neck, spraying skin with cool water).

“Most heat-related illnesses do not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes,” McLaughlin said.

“Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are weakness, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting and headache.

“But, if it turns into heatstroke (such as altered mental state or behaviour, rapid breathing, or heart rate), it needs to be treated as an emergency and you should call 911 or go to Accident and Emergency immediately.”

A spokesperson from the weather service told the Compass that some showers are expected from Thursday and “likely to give us some relief through the end of the week”.

Climate change

John Tibbetts, director general of the Cayman Islands Weather Service, said that around the world climate change is causing more frequent and intense heatwaves.

“The dangers to human health from heatwaves are significantly increased when accompanied with high humidity,” he explained in an emailed comment.

“The high ‘real feel’ temperatures we are experiencing in the Cayman Islands are consistent with the expected impacts of climate change on our air temperatures.”

The director general said data shows that average annual air temperatures have increased by about 2.2 degrees Celsius over the past 40 years in the Cayman Islands.

The Climate Change Risk Assessment that was completed last year included the risk of ‘Heat and humidity related health impacts and mortalities’.

Tibbetts also mentioned the Climate Change Policy, which is out for public consultation until 30 June.

He said within it there are several strategies to directly help Cayman communities and vulnerable groups deal with higher temperatures.

The strategies also make sure the service is gathering the right data on these health impacts, he added.