With the UK experiencing warmer summers and more frequent heatwaves, insights from individuals accustomed to extreme temperatures offer valuable strategies for staying cool and safe. From Peruvian farmers to Jordanian diving instructors and Egyptian archaeologists, their daily routines and practical tips provide a blueprint for managing the heat.
A common thread among those living in consistently hot climates is the importance of adjusting one's schedule. Luis Pacherrez Antón, president of Agroperu Cooperative in Peru's Chira River valley, where it's known as the 'city of eternal heat', advises starting work much earlier to avoid the intense sun that begins around 9am. Similarly, Obada Almaitah, a diving instructor in Aqaba, Jordan, where summer temperatures often exceed 40C, schedules physically demanding tasks for the early morning. Despina Savvidou, a tour guide at the Acropolis of Athens for 48 years, recommends booking the earliest tours, before the site even officially opens, to benefit from cooler temperatures between 8am and 10am, even on 40C days. For UK residents, this could mean tackling chores like gardening or shopping first thing in the morning, rather than waiting until later in the day.
Hydration is another critical element, with experts stressing the need for consistent water intake. Dr Zahi Hawass, an Egyptian archaeologist who works at sites in extremely hot conditions, emphasises drinking water regularly throughout the day, rather than waiting until thirst sets in. Sherene M El-Sioufi, a doctor in pulmonary and sleep medicine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, notes that many in her region consume laban, a yoghurt-based drink, for hydration and electrolytes, highlighting the importance of consistent sipping. Luiz Eduardo Dos Santos Nascimento, a lifeguard in Rio de Janeiro, where heatwaves can push temperatures above 40C, always keeps a water bottle close by, maintaining constant hydration during his shift.
Beyond simply drinking, how one hydrates also matters. Despina Savvidou advises sipping water little by little, consuming as many as 15 glasses slowly throughout the day. John Napolo, a wildlife protection services manager in Namibia, where summer temperatures can exceed 40C, illustrates this, stating his rangers carry five litres of water daily, drinking three or four and using the remainder to pour over their heads when the heat becomes overwhelming.
The concept of using water externally for cooling is further supported by Professor Ollie Jay, director of the Heat and Health Research Centre at the University of Sydney. He recommends applying water to the skin, explaining that its evaporation cools the body effectively, mimicking sweating without the physiological stress. Dr Youssouf Moussa of the International Organization for Migration in Djibouti, a region facing extreme heat, also employs practical methods such as lightly wetting clothes, which aids cooling through evaporation. These techniques offer immediate relief and can be easily adopted during periods of high temperatures.