Climate change: Yaounde witnesses exceptionally high temperatures

Heat waves have hit Cameroon’s capital city, Yaounde with exceptionally high temperatures this February 2020.

The month is known to be the city’s warmest month, with an average temperature of 31 degrees, spreading over a number of days.

The peak of February’s harmattan usually comes with dry cold, dust, a reduction of visibility and associated health problems.

A weather forecast by the National Observatory on Climate Change says from 12pm to 3pm is the hottest period of the day.

Experts advise people to stay in doors during these hours.

Inhabitants of the city say the temperatures this February 2020 are particularly higher than previous years.

The assertions have been confirmed by experts who say the country is facing the effects of climate change.

The recent weather forecast by the National Observatory on Climate Change indicates that Yaounde will witness high temperatures from 21-29 February, 2020.

However, these high temperatures are not limited to Yaounde. Other areas within the centre region equally affected include; Akonolinga, Bafia, Eseka, Mbandjock, Mbalmayo, Monatélé, Nkoteng, Nanga Eboko, Yoko and Obala.

Coping with high temperatures , the doctor’s prescriptions

The high temperatures, have pushed some inhabitants into excessive drinking and other unhealthy practices just to cope with the situation.

But Dr. Rachel Heukane, resident doctor at the Cameroon National Planning Association for Family Welfare , CAMNAFAW Mimboman says inhabitants must adopt a healthy lifestyle at this time.

She says drinking lots of fresh water is very helpful for rehydration. But people should not drink frozen water which has drastic side effects.

Aged persons will have to avoid walking in the sun to prevent seizures and loss of memory.

Other healthy practices outlined by the National Observatory on Climate Change include;

# improving hygiene and waste management

# Eating properly cooked meals

# Proper use of latrines

# Sleeping under treated mosquito bed nets

# taking a cold bath before going to bed

Kathy Neba Sina