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Harare Bureau
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned that the country will continue to experience hot weather as temperatures are expected to keep rising.

In a statement yesterday the MSD said nights were becoming warmer while higher temperatures of around 30 degrees celsius were being experienced during the day due to low humidity.

The MSD advised people to stay in the shade as high temperatures are associated with different health and environmental problems.

“These high temperature episodes are associated with various health and environmental issues such as breeding of mosquitoes and flies, heat exhaustion and heat strokes.”

“The dryness may cause dry coughs,” the MSD said.

The department also warned of possible outbreaks of fire due to the high temperatures.

“Coupled with this, we are entering the period of maximum stratospheric ozone depletion. As such direct exposure to sunlight should be minimised. Wearing of sunglasses and hats, especially for children during outdoor activities is extremely important,” read the statement.

The MSD urged members of the pubic to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the heat. “People are being urged to plan their days so that they can stay out of the heat where possible and avoid going out during the hottest part of the day between 11.00 AM to 3.00 PM.

“Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as sport or gardening or do this during cooler times of the day. And also if you must go out, stay in the shade and wear a hat and loose-fitting cotton clothes and take plenty of water with you,” it said.

The department encouraged people to take cool (not cold) showers or baths and splash themselves with cold water several times a day, especially on the face and the back of the neck.