Hotter and earlier summers in Europe, record-breaking temperatures in Japan and soaring demand for air conditioners in China.
The heatwaves are here, and they’re here to stay – summer or not.
As climate change wreaks further havoc on the weather worldwide, more people than ever will be encountering scorching heatwaves that can cook even the most outdoorsy traveller.
Here’s how you can heatproof your travels while minimizing this potentially deadly phenomena:
What are heatwaves?
Heatwaves are a prolonged period of unusually hot temperatures over a period of days or even weeks.
They are primarily caused by high pressure systems high up in the atmosphere forcing down warm air and trapping it within an area, this compresses the warm air and heats it up further.
But due to severe global warming and urban landscapes creating heat island effects, the baseline “floor” temperature has rapidly increased over recent decades – turning heatwaves from merely uncomfortable summers into deadly furnaces.
Although it may not sound too bad to those of us in Malaysia, heatwaves can cause heat stress, heat stroke or even deaths, not to mention ruining your vacation.
How to Survive Heatwaves
Avoid hot seasons
The most obvious method to counter heatwaves is simply to avoid them!
This usually means avoiding summer, as heatwaves on top of hot weather means a potentially ruined holiday.
Summer is also a traditionally popular season for domestic travel, so avoiding the season means avoiding the crowd, which is one of the many ways to fight overtourism!
Stick to the shade (or shore)
Sticking to the shade is also another time-honoured way of beating heatwaves.
This can mean walking under tree shade or ducking inside an air-conditioned building. If shade-hunting isn’t really your thing, then picking indoor attractions for the afternoon hours and vice versa is a decent alternative!
Or better yet, if you have an evening to spare, try visiting the hotel pool or the beach to cool off. If you’re lucky enough to stay past sunset, then make sure to snap some gorgeous pics of the golden hour!
Always Hydrate
If you’re still dead set for the summer months and the risk of heatwaves, then the one thing you should do is hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more!
The appropriate amount of hydration varies by person to person, but it’s generally recommended to drink one cup of water every half hour.
Don’t wait until you’re out in the sun either, hydrating before you go about your holiday will help your body sustain moisture in extreme heat.
And don’t skip meals either! Getting some proper grub – let’s say some prime steak with chocolate cake – will help replenish any salt you lose to all that sweating.
Tip: If you have access to a freezer in your hotel, fill up a water bottle to almost full then place them in a freezer in your hotel for cold drinks throughout the day. If not, a simple fridge works just as well.
Know your limits
Heatwaves are notorious for causing a range of illnesses ranging from mild heat cramps to deadly heat strokes.
Thus, it’s incredibly important to know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:
- Heat cramps: Spasms and pain in legs and arms, intense sweating
- Heat exhaustion: Fatigue, dizziness, nausea and heavy sweating/breathing
- Heat stroke: Confusion, slurred speech, unconsciousness, seizures, POTENTIALLY LETHAL
Be particularly vigilant and watch out for these symptoms when travelling with at-risk groups such as the young, elderly and pregnant women, as these groups may have difficulty regulating their body heat.
If you suspect you or your party member have a heatstroke, immediately stop whatever you’re doing, move to a cooler spot and call for medical assistance (saving the local emergency phone numbers will come in handy here).
Remember, even if it’s a highly anticipated attraction or activity, nothing is more important the health and safety of you and your loved ones!
Watch the weather forecast
Before heading out during a heatwave, it pays to check out the weather forecast.
Although weather sites or search engines can give you a rough idea of what to expect, it’s usually best to check out national weather agency websites for more detailed forecasts. Or better yet, find the official website or social media page of the attraction or area you’re interested in.
If you’re going hiking on relatively well-trodden mountains like Mount Nokogiri, specialist websites like mountain-forecast.com will also offer localized, up-to-date and granular reports on the weather and potential heatwave hazards.
Browsing local news sites or TV channels can also help you catch any heatwave warnings or inclement weather that might pop up during your holiday.
Dress for the Heat
You know what makes a scorching, sweltering, heatwave worse? A horrible wardrobe!
Dark-coloured, restrictive and thick clothing are a total fashion faux paus when you’re being cooked by 30-plus-degree heat.
Instead, consider bright colours, airy fits and loose clothing that can slow down the heat and help you sweat it out easier.
Take Care of Your Skin
Besides your clothes, your skin will also need some TLC under all that heat and UV.
Follow our summer skincare guide and make sure to apply enough sunscreen at all the appropriate spots on your body. Don’t forget to slap on some moisturizer too if you’re visiting hot and dry areas!
Bring Some Tools
Starting from the most basic of paper fans to full-blown cooling jackets outfitted with electric fans, investing in some portable cooling devices can lower the C’s while you’re admiring the sights in a heatwave.
If all else fails, a handy anti-UV umbrella or classy parasol can save you from a lot of nasty exposure.
So, feel like taking on some spicy summer destinations? Try a mountain-coast summer in China’s Shandong province or one of the many summer vacation classics throughout China!
Links
Copernicus.eu – Heatwaves – a brief introduction
https://climate.copernicus.eu/heatwaves-brief-introduction
Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Heat-Related Illnesses and First Aid
https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/illness-first-aid
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