GENEVA: Summer has just begun in the Northern Hemisphere, but heat waves have already struck many regions, including the United States, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. These extreme temperatures have caused over a thousand deaths, prompted urgent health warnings, and led to school closures.
July is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures in areas of the Northern Hemisphere often exceeding 40°C (104°F). The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that July 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded, potentially the warmest in at least 120,000 years, and this year is on track to be one of the hottest yet.
The Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the sun result in varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, creating the changing seasons. Astronomical summer begins on the summer solstice, around June 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and December 21 or 22 in the Southern Hemisphere. On this day, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon, leading to the longest day and shortest night of the year. The area receiving the most direct sunlight, 23.5 degrees above the equator, is known as the Tropic of Cancer. This line, which passes through countries like Mexico, the Bahamas, Egypt, and India, contributes to extremely hot summers in these regions.
How to Stay Cool in Summer
As summer temperatures increase in various regions across the world, with some even shattering all-time heatwave records, staying cool becomes very important. Fortunately, there are many effective methods to beat the heat, whether or not you have access to air conditioning. Experts suggest various tips to help minimize the risk of heat stroke
- Stay Hydrated
- Keep Cool Indoors
- Dress Appropriately
- Limit Outdoor Activities
- Protect Vulnerable Groups
