Brace for a hot summer

Jamaicans are being urged to brace for a hot summer. The Meteorological Service said that the country could experience higher-than-normal temperatures over the summer period, which begins on June 20 and ends September 22.

"We are projecting that over the next few months, temperatures will continue to be above the norm. It has been this way over the past number of months, and going into the summer, we are expecting that it will be higher than normal and normal is already very hot," Evan Thompson, director at the Meteorological Service, said.

Thompson said that temperatures are projected to be above 34 degrees Celsius, which, can cause dehydration. He said that already, daytime temperatures have been above normal, with Montego Bay recording up to 34degC and Kingston 33.5deg in May.

Increased temperature

"Last year, we had our maximum ever recorded in Kingston, which was very close to 100degF or about 38degC . Therefore, we need to be prepared for the increased temperature," Thompson said.

Meanwhile, Dr Kurdell Espinosa Campbell, acting director of emergency medical services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is encouraging residents to take the necessary steps to stay hydrated through regular intake of water.

"We recommend that persons stay out of the sunlight at those key hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and drink lots of water if you have to be in the outdoors," Campbell said.