Subject will be informed about the following:
Cities, with their dense structures, are particularly vulnerable to overheating and prolonged heatwaves. This is due to the urban heat island effect, which increases the number of tropical nights – nights where the temperature does not drop below 20°C – during heatwaves.
Heatwaves can lead to a disruption in the body's heat balance, resulting in heat stress symptoms such as discomfort, reduced performance, and concentration weakness. More severe conditions include heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and heat collapse.
Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Heat exhaustion is a condition characterized by symptoms such as increased weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, fever, and confusion. If left untreated, it can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition where the body temperature can rise to up to 41°C in a short time. Symptoms of sunstroke usually appear with a delay of up to several hours or sometimes not until the following day and may include severe headache, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
In case of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or heat collapse, medical help should be sought if symptoms worsen or persist for more than an hour despite self-help measures. If someone is suffering from these conditions, move them to a cool, shaded, airy place, loosen their clothing, and give them something to drink or cool them with wet compresses.
Urban Heat Islands and Climate Change
Climate change has resulted in longer and more intense heatwaves. Prolonged heatwaves with high humidity, weak wind, high solar radiation, and little nighttime cooling are particularly stressful. These conditions can exacerbate symptoms of heat stress, increase ozone levels, and lead to higher air pollution levels due to increases in ozone and fine dust concentrations.
In 2019, the heat stress in Bottrop was evident in the city's climate analysis. However, there are no search results available that specify which city reported the highest climate anomaly related to heat outbreaks in 2019.
Sunburn, Sun Allergy, and UV Radiation
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is carcinogenic and can damage the skin and eyes, weaken the immune system, and worsen chronic respiratory diseases. Sunburn is a burn caused by UV light, resulting in reddened, painful, and sometimes itchy skin, and in severe cases, blisters. Sun allergy can cause skin reactions due to UV-containing sunlight.
To protect oneself from these risks, it is essential to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit outdoor activities during the peak hours of sunlight, especially in the afternoon.
In case of sunstroke, call a doctor immediately. Heat collapse occurs due to critical blood pressure drops in extreme heat, causing temporary loss of consciousness. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical help promptly.
By understanding the risks associated with heatwaves and urban heat islands, we can take preventative measures to protect ourselves and our cities from the harmful effects of prolonged high temperatures.
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