The weather right now in my country it's as though someone left the door of hell fire open. This right there is the best analogy that will describe the kind of heat waves that we have been experiencing since this month. It is so hot right here that one can finish two bottle waters at a go.
And i kid you not
Picture is mine
I don't know for other part of Nigeria, but for us staying in Lagos state we are experiencing a very hot weather both during the day and night time. Last week i was getting ready for a meeting with a client and by the time that I was done I realized that my dress was already soaked up with sweat and I have to quickly change into a lighter and breathable dress. Even my friend Obioma that came into the country from United kingdom threatened her sister that she will go back if she did not buy a solar fan for her so that she can switch to solar fan immediately the light goes off which ofcourse is never new to Nigerians and the solar they have at home cannot power their air conditioner.
According to Nigerian Meteorological Agency the air temperature is at 41.c in the North and 39.c in the South. People have been experiencing a lot of dehydration lately and the heat waves causes heat rashes, chicken pox, small pox and even measles.
CAUSES: The main cause of this heat waves is the change in climate condition. Just last month we experienced harmattan which was dusty and dry season that often comes with wind from the western Sahara. So I believe that it's a season that will soon pass by. Another cause is Deforestation. many trees and vegetation are being cut down to make room for buildings and other housing projects as people keep migratung into the city on a daily basis.
THE WAY FORWARD: There are few ways to combat this heat period and to stay alive. They are...
▪︎Regular intake of water to avoid dehydration.
▪︎ Take shower regular to moderate body temperature
▪︎ Use of alternative air supply like air conditioners and fans
▪︎ Always wear lighter clothes to avoid too much sweating.
My children are the type that have to be reminded to go take their shower whenever they come back from school but since this heat waves started the reverse has been the case. They will rush to the shower immediately they drop their backpacks for a cold bath.
Just yesterday, my friend Obioma and I were forced by this heat waves to take the children to swim at the club. They are on midterm break and the weather was too hot for them to stay at home all day thus we decided to go for a swim. We spent the whole day in the swimming pool and came back home in the night when the weather was a bit better. It costs us a lot around fifty thousand naira for both entrance fee and refreshment. We would have gone to the beach which will be cheaper but because of proximity we decided to stay at the club instead.
I really hope and pray for a change in this weather condition to avoid getting any of the sicknesses that comes with it and also for us to live a more comfortable life. The rainy season is still far off that should be around April. I can't wait to experience rainy season and it should come quickly to wipe off this hotness.