The Federal Ministry of Health has released an advisory urging the general public to take extra precautions as the St. Kitts & Nevis faces an intense combination of extreme heat and the presence of a Saharan Dust Plume that poses serious health risks to those with respiratory conditions.

The St. Kitts Meteorological Services reports an average maximum temperature of 31.7 °C over the past week, officially meeting the threshold for a heatwave.  Also, humidity coupled with warm temperature from the Caribbean Sea has increased the heat index that causes environment conditions to feel hotter than it actually is.

Prolonged exposure to these extreme temperatures can worsen chronic illnesses and increase the risk of medical emergencies such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, strokes, and heart attacks. As such the ministry asks persons to follow these tips to reduce risks to health.

They are: staying hydrated, dress for the heat by wearing light and loose clothing as well as using sunscreen, hats and umbrellas, as much as possible stay inside and reduce physical activity during peak heat hours (10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.), protect and check on vulnerable individuals especially the elderly and young children, and for outdoor workers, take frequent breaks in cool and shaded areas.

Finally persons are urged to stay informed on weather forecasts and to plan activities for the cooler parts of the day.