PT Health Watch: How to stay safe as El Niño raises heat risks in Nigeria

As El Niño influences global weather patterns and raises the likelihood of above-normal temperatures in parts of the world, Nigerians may face increased health risks from extreme heat, particularly amid unreliable electricity supply and limited access to cooling facilities.

Staying safe during periods of intense heat requires simple but deliberate measures, including adequate hydration, proper ventilation and recognising the early warning signs of heat-related illnesses.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterised by unusually warm surface waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. It influences atmospheric circulation, often resulting in significant changes in temperature and rainfall patterns across different parts of the world.

According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), El Niño increases the likelihood of above-normal temperatures in many parts of the world and can significantly alter rainfall patterns.

In August, NiMet issued a seasonal climate forecast indicating that observations of the Pacific Ocean suggested the onset of a strong El Niño event, which was expected to influence global climate patterns between August and October.

“The evolving super El Niño event represents one of the strongest ocean-atmosphere phenomena in recent decades, with significant implications for Nigeria’s rainfall patterns,” the agency said.

During the three-month period, the agency projected wetter-than-normal conditions across parts of northern Nigeria, particularly Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi and Jigawa states.

However, parts of southern Nigeria, including Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Edo and Delta states, were expected to experience drier-than-normal conditions.

The forecast also indicated that Kogi and parts of Benue State could experience drier-than-normal conditions.

Health risks of extreme heat

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature, potentially resulting in heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and salt through sweating. Its symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and an elevated body temperature.

Heat stroke, however, is a more severe and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system fails. Warning signs include confusion, altered behaviour, irritability, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Tanimola Akande, a professor of public health at the University of Ilorin, said extreme heat associated with El Niño could increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in Nigeria.

Mr Akande said unreliable electricity supply makes it more difficult for many households to cope with high temperatures, particularly those who depend on electric fans and air conditioners for cooling.

He also warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat could negatively affect agricultural productivity.

However, he said individuals and households could adopt practical measures to reduce their exposure to excessive heat.

How to stay safe

According to Mr Akande, improving ventilation is one of the affordable ways households can make their living spaces cooler.

“Low-cost ways to stay cool and prevent heat stroke include ensuring adequate ventilation with big windows and ensuring cross ventilation,” the public health physician said.

He also recommended planting trees around homes to provide shade and reduce direct exposure to sunlight.

Mr Akande advised Nigerians to wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing and avoid dark-coloured clothes that absorb more heat.

He also emphasised the importance of drinking sufficient water throughout the day, even when they do not feel thirsty.

People should also avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest hours of the day, and take regular breaks in shaded or cool environments.

What to do in an emergency

Mr Akande said prompt action is essential when someone develops symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“If someone collapses from heat exhaustion, the person should be moved away from the area to a cool place, remove extra clothing and use cold water to tepidly sponge the person,” he said.

He added that water or an oral rehydration solution could be given to someone who is conscious and able to swallow.

However, he cautioned against forcing someone who is unable to drink independently to take fluids.

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“If the person is unable to drink on his or her own, he or she should not be forcefully made to drink water. Plans should be made to take the person to the nearest health facility,” he said.

Heat stroke requires immediate emergency medical attention. While waiting for medical assistance, the affected person should be moved to a cooler environment and cooled rapidly using available methods, such as cold water, wet cloths and fanning.

People at greater risk

Although extreme heat can affect anyone, some groups are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

They include outdoor workers, children, older people and pregnant women. People living with chronic conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, may also face increased risks.

These groups may require additional protection, including regular access to drinking water, shaded environments, adequate ventilation and reduced exposure to intense heat.