Amid the Met Office’s heatwave forecast in many parts of Pakistan, people should follow some steps to avoid exposure to the sun and keep themselves hydrated.

“A heatwave is a period of unusually hot weather that typically lasts two or more days,” according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

Climate change, urbanization, and deforestation have largely contributed to such hot weathers over the past many years.

Heatwaves form when a high-pressure area in the upper atmosphere strengthens and remains over a region. Such a weather pattern affects animals, birds, agriculture, and human health.

Heatwaves cause heavy sweating fast, weak pulse muscle cramps, headache, nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, losing consciousness, weakness, and chest pain.

The PMD has advised people to do the following steps:

• Stay hydrated

• Stay covered

• Wear light colour clothes

• Utilise shade by using hats and umbrellas

• Stay in shadow

• Block direct sunlight

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The following things are to be avoided

• Hot beverages and spicyfood

• Outdoor activities

• Going outside unnecessarily between 12:00pm to 4:00pm

• Extreme temperature changes

• Leaving pets outside