Humidity levels of up to 95 per cent forecast for this weekend have led doctors to warn asthmatics and cardiovascular disease sufferers to stay indoors.
Fujairah and the Northern Emirates are likely to feel the full effect of the uncomfortable conditions, with 95 per cent humidity at times and possible thunder showers on Friday morning. Although temperatures will be only 32°C in the north, humidity levels will make it feel more like 42°C.
Humidity levels are expected to peak at 65 per cent by mid-afternoon on Friday in Abu Dhabi but Dubai will escape the worst of it, with humidity at 48 per cent.
After a peak of 95 per cent in the Northern Emirates, the figure is expected to remain at about 90 per cent throughout the weekend.
Dust in the air will also be a problem for asthmatics throughout the weekend.
High humidity puts the body’s cardiovascular system under increased strain, placing heart disorder patients at higher risk.
Dubai Health Authority has highlighted the problem, with research findings suggesting that a quarter of the emirate’s population have a preventable cardiovascular disease risk factor.
Dr Ahmed El Hakim, a senior adviser to pharmaceutical firm Cinfa, said: “When temperatures rise, the body works hard to maintain a normal temperature of about 37°C.
“This is done through radiating the heat away from the body, and evaporating sweat molecules.
“Both of these natural methods of cooling down require the heart to pump faster and harder to eliminate the heat, and are made more difficult with high humidity levels.
“While people with normally functioning hearts can more easily adapt to these changes, cardiovascular disease patients must take precautionary measures to ensure their hearts are able to cope with the added strain.”
Warning signs of heat-related health problems include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, disorientation and muscle twitches. If any of these symptoms appear, the sufferer must immediately be transferred to a cooler place and drink cold water. If the symptoms persist, professional advice must be sought.
CVD patients are being advised to avoid going out between 12pm and 3pm, when the temperatures are at the highest, and to wear loose-fitting clothing that allow air to flow easily.
Staying hydrated at all times is also important, as is avoiding caffeinated drinks and salty foods. CVD patients should avoid placing too much stress on their hearts by opting for less strenuous activities, and they should remain indoors while exercising.
Dr Mohammed Rafique, head of pulmonology at Prime Hospital in Dubai, said that the humidity levels have prompted an increase in allergy and asthma attacks.
“Many people are travelling and, when they return, they face the high humidity and fall ill. I have seen many more asthma patients this week in my clinic - these account for about 80 to 90 per cent of the cases,” he said.
Dr Rafique also warned that even those who do not have respiratory issues can develop problems during these conditions.
Dr Bodi Saicharan, a specialist in respiratory medicine at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said: “Humid conditions can trigger attacks in asthmatics and they shouldn’t go outdoors during times of high humidity, such as in the evening.”
For a person to be comfortable, the relative humidity in the air should be about 40 per cent.
Emirati Afra Al Dhaheri, who founded cloud9 pet hotel and care in Abu Dhabi, said despite being born and raised here she still cannot cope.
“I have asthma and I feel like I’m suffocating when I go out. With these humid conditions, it gets really bad. I must carry my inhalers with me all the time,” she said.
“Dogs are just like us. It is very serious and can be life-threatening to some dogs, especially the breeds with flat noses. We had to invest in creating and indoor doggy daycare to keep them cool.”
Dusty, hazy conditions are forecast for across the UAE on Friday and Saturday, with temperatures peaking at 39°C in most areas but it will be hotter in the capital, at 42°C, but with a south-easterly breeze.
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