The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to take necessary precautions against extreme heat as the Maldives experiences a significant rise in temperatures. According to the Maldives Meteorological Service, March and April are typically the warmest months of the year. This year, low wind speeds combined with high humidity levels have caused the “feels-like” temperature to rise significantly above the actual recorded temperature.
The risks associated with extreme heat are particularly high for infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Medical professionals warn that children are especially vulnerable as their bodies absorb heat more rapidly, which can lead to severe conditions such as heatstroke, fainting, or seizures.
To ensure safety, the HPA advises the public to minimize direct sun exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM and to maintain adequate hydration by increasing fluid intake. Parents are encouraged to dress children in loose, lightweight clothing and to ensure infants are breastfed regularly. Furthermore, authorities emphasize that exposing infants to direct sunlight during this period is unsafe.
