Excessive Heat Warning in Effect for Antigua and Barbuda

Timing: 7:30 am to 6 pm until Thursday.

Synopsis: The combination of high temperatures, relatively high humidity and light winds will result in
dangerously hot conditions. The threat of health problems, for mainly sensitive people, is forecast to be
high, with the potential for extensive impacts. An excessive heat warning is issued within 12 hours of
the onset of dangerously hot conditions. The threshold for this warning is when the maximum heat index
temperature is expected to be 41 °C or 106 °F or higher, for two or more consecutive days, with winds
18 km/h (11 mph) or less. The maximum heat index is likely to occur during the early afternoons.

Sensitive groups: While extreme heat can put everyone at risk for heat illnesses, health risks are greatest
for the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties, heart
conditions or psychiatric illnesses, people who work or who exercise in the heat, homeless people and
low-income earners.

Potential Health implications: Heat illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat illnesses can lead to long-term health problems and heat stroke can lead to death.

Caution: If any symptoms of heat illness are present (such as dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting,
headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, or extreme thirst) immediately move to a cool place and drink
liquids; water is best. The most dangerous heat illness is heat stroke, with symptoms that include
complete or partial loss of consciousness or confusion and high body temperature. If caring for someone
with those symptoms, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help, cool the person right away by
moving them to a cool place, applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing and fanning the
person as much as possible.

Everyone should stay alert and take precautions – stay cool and hydrated. Check on vulnerable family
members, friends and neighbours. Those who take medication or have a health condition should ask
their doctor if it increases their health risk in the heat and follow their recommendation.
Take action and stay tuned to updates coming out of the Met Office via antiguamet.com,
twitter.com/abmetservice and facebook.com/abmetservice. Also, stay tuned to ABS Radio and TV along
with other media platforms for updates.

Forecaster: Dale Destin