Scorching temperatures expected in Latvia on Thursday

Scorching temperatures expected in Latvia on Thursday

Hot, Windy, and Potentially Stormy Day Ahead in Latvia: Health Precautions for Vulnerable Groups

A hot day with strong winds and potential thunderstorms is expected across Latvia on [insert date]. The western and central parts of the country will experience local rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon, while Riga is forecast to be sunny but windy.

The maximum air temperature will range between 28-32 degrees Celsius nationwide, with Riga reaching around +31 C. Coastal areas will experience slightly cooler temperatures, with a maximum of up to 23-27 degrees.

During such weather conditions, elderly people, infants, and those with chronic illnesses are at a higher risk of health problems. To ensure their safety and wellbeing, it is essential to take the following precautions:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
2. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and strong winds: These conditions can exacerbate heat stress and respiratory problems.
3. Seek cool or air-conditioned environments: This is particularly important for the elderly and infants who are more vulnerable to heat stress.
4. Wear loose, light-colored, and breathable clothing: This will help the body stay cooler.
5. Limit physical exertion: During heat and windy conditions, it is best to avoid overheating or exhaustion.
6. Check on vulnerable individuals regularly: Particularly elderly people who may be socially isolated, infants, and those with chronic health issues.
7. Be aware of medications: Heat can affect how medications work, especially for people with chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions.
8. Monitor for early signs of heat-related illness: Such signs include cramps, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, or seizures. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
9. Prepare for weather changes: Including thunderstorms by avoiding outdoor exposure during storms and ensuring safety during strong winds.

These measures reflect Europe-wide heat vulnerability findings emphasizing the high heat-related risk in elderly populations and the need for targeted protection, especially during extreme weather events.

In Vidzeme, severe thunderstorms may bring hail and strong gusts of wind. In the evening, local rain and thunderstorms may develop near the capital, and south-westerly and westerly winds will intensify, reaching 10-15 metres per second in gusts.

The heatwave in Riga may pose a health risk to certain groups of people, as it puts additional strain on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In some parts of Kurzeme, wind speeds may reach up to 16-18 metres per second.

In Zemgale and around Riga, the hottest weather, up to 31-32 C, is expected. It is crucial to take the necessary precautions to protect these vulnerable groups during hot, windy, and potentially stormy days in Latvia.

1. Despite the expected hot weather in Vidzeme, it's essential to take necessary precautions due to the potential occurrence of severe thunderstorms, as hail and strong gusts of wind may be a threat.
2. In Zemgale and around Riga, where the hottest weather, up to 31-32 C, is expected, it's crucial to remember the precautions for vulnerable groups, such as staying hydrated, seeking cool environments, and avoiding prolonged exposure to heat and wind.
3. While southern parts of Kurzeme may experience wind speeds reaching up to 16-18 meters per second, it's important to note that such conditions can exacerbate health problems in vulnerable groups, particularly those with cardiovascular and respiratory issues.

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