Although many of us are still enjoying the spring weather, nature clearly has other plans. According to the latest forecasts, we have to prepare for a sharp reversal. The meteorological summer, which officially begins on June 1, will make itself known a little earlier than we are used to, and will surprise us with the rapid onset of high temperatures. Some parts of Europe are even tormented by tropical air from Africa, he writes.
In the last period, Slovakia was plagued by low morning temperatures, which overwrote 30-year records, and frost threatened the harvest. An extreme turn in the weather is coming soon. Experts warn that this sudden turn can bring local thunderstorms and occasional showers. According to them, it is “the calm before the storm”, because a massive influx of hot air originating from Africa starts in Western Europe.
Tropical temperatures should hit the Iberian Peninsula first. Temperatures in Spain and Portugal can reach an incredible 40 degrees Celsius. Subsequently, the hot air should move over France, Germany, the south of England and into Central Europe.
In Slovakia, we noticed more significant warming on Friday, May 22 and during the weekend. “However, at the end of this week and the beginning of next week, the temperature in the warmest areas could reach the tropical 30 degrees Celsius,” experts from SHMÚ stated during the week.
While the temperatures will reach a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius in the first days, at the beginning of the new week the needle on the thermometers should attack up to 31 degrees Celsius. Residents in the southwest and west of Slovakia will especially feel the high temperatures. Premature tropical heat will bring exceptionally high and non-standard values to the second half of May.
One must also think about the sharply rising intensity of solar radiation and the associated dangerously high UV index. People should protect themselves with high SPF creams, sunglasses and headgear to prevent skin burns.
High temperatures are especially dangerous for children, the elderly, pregnant women and the chronically ill. During warm days, one should not forget about a regular drinking regime, it is also good to avoid direct sunlight and limit physical activity. “High outdoor temperatures can cause overheating of the body and health complications – increase in body temperature, malaise, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting“, warned the Public Health Office (ÚVZ) of the Slovak Republic.
The Slovak Red Cross (SČK) also recommends in hot weather wear lighter clothing and headgear. He advises staying indoors or in the shade. “Prevent your home from overheating – close the blinds, ventilate in the evening,” he pointed out. Also recommends avoid alcohol and eat lighter foods. “Also take care of your pets and check on your lonely relatives,” SČK added.
