The El Nino heat wave is a phenomenon of above normal sea surface temperatures that occurs in the Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean. The warming of sea surface temperature increases the likelihood of cloud formation over the central Pacific and reduces precipitation in surrounding areas, including areas such as Indonesia.1 El Nino occurs every two to seven years and usually lasts fifteen months. This causes high temperatures and drought in some areas.2

The causes of El Nino

The following are the mechanisms that could cause El Nino heat wave:2

- Warming of sea surface temperatures

- Subsurface damping

- Changes in atmospheric circulation.

- Changes in global weather patterns

According to the Indonesia Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Department, most areas of Indonesia experience hot temperatures with an ultraviolet (UV) index between 8-10, which means there is a very high risk of danger. These conditions require people to use sunscreen (sunscreen) with SPF 30 every two hours even in cloudy weather, because ultraviolet exposure can cause skin cancer. Another impact of climate change is drought and reduced rainfall in Indonesia.3

In addition, people who are exposed to high temperatures for a long time, especially without drinking enough water, are more at risk of becoming dehydrated. Heat waves can also cause hyperthermia and heat exhaustion, a condition in which body temperature rises uncontrollably due to the body's inability to maintain temperature balance.4

Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion are dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea, headaches, sweating and feeling like you might pass out. If heat exhaustion is not treated immediately, it could cause heatstroke with symptoms such as.4

- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath

- Heart racing

- Skin feels hot and red but not sweaty

- Confused

- Seizures

- Loss of consciousness

How to Prevent Hazardous Heat Waves

Some things that could be done to prevent the danger of heat waves or hot weather such as: 4

- Avoid being outside as much as possible between 11am and 3pm.

- Wear long, loose clothing in light colors and avoid dark clothes.

- Wear an umbrella, hat, socks, gloves or long clothing when outdoors.

- During the day and its hot outside, close the windows and curtains and turn off the lights.

- Consume a balanced nutritious diet to maintain health and the immune system.

- Drink lots of water.

- Avoid strenuous exercise.

- Do not consume excessive alcoholic beverages.

- Use sunscreen at least SPF 30 and repeat every 2 hours.

 

References

  1. 1. CNBC Indonesia Staff. Cuaca Panas El Nino, Sumber 'Malapetaka' Bumi Tahun Ini. Last reviewed : 20 July 2023. Available at: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/research/20230720105205-128-455805/cuaca-panas-el-nino-sumber-malapetaka-bumi-tahun-ini#:~:text=Apa%20Itu%20El%20Nino%3F,Pasifik%20bagian%20tengah%20hingga%20timur
  2. 2. Umsu news Staff. Apa Itu El Nino? Dampak dan Cara Mengantisipasinya. Last reviewed: 3 August 2023. Available at: https://umsu.ac.id/berita/apa-itu-el-nino-dampak-dan-cara-mengantisipasinya/
  3. 3. National geographic Indonesia Staff. Tahun Panas Bagi Indonesia: Gelombang Panas Ekstrem Asia dan El Nino. Last reviewed : 25 April 2023. Available at: https://nationalgeographic.grid.id/read/133768336/tahun-panas-bagi-indonesia-gelombang-panas-ekstrem-asia-dan-el-nino?page=all
  4. 4. Allodokter Staff. Mengenal Gelombang Panas dan Tips Mencegah Bahayanya. Last reviewed : 5 Mei 2023. Available at: https://www.alodokter.com/mengenal-gelombang-panas-dan-tips-mencegah-bahayanya

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