A rise in day temperatures across Muscat and Al Batinah on Monday may increase risk of heatstroke, the Oman Met has warned on Sunday.
“A noticeable rise in the apparent temperature (the actual temperature as a result of high humidity) on Monday in Al Batinah and Muscat, which may lead to heat exhaustion and the possibility of heatstroke,” a statement from the weather agency said.
Authorities urged people working outside to exercise caution and drink sufficient water to avoid heat stroke, which is most common in summer months.
The Ministry of Health said that heatstroke can affect anyone who stays in hot weather for a long time, when sweating fails to cool the body and the thermoregulator in the brain temporarily stops working. So, the body temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius with redness in skin, fatigue accompanied by a headache.
Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heat stroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.
Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. Other symptoms are nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and a racing heart rate.
If you think a person may be experiencing heatstroke, seek immediate medical help.
Take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment.
Get the person into shade or indoors and remove excess clothing. Cool the person with whatever means available — sponge with cool water or place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person's head, neck, armpits and groin.
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