Climatologist: Prepare for 'stinging' sun

CITIZENS should protect themselves and stay hydrated as next month will be hotter and the sun "stinging," says Met Office climatologist Kaidar Kissoon.

Speaking to Newsday in a telephone interview he called on citizens to continue to be vigilant with the harsh dry season and shortage of water. He said for the remainder of April and into May the sun will be at this country's latitude of 10.5 degrees north.

"We are going into a hotter period with the atmosphere warmer, hotter temperatures and more intense sunlight with no cloud cover as compared to a December or January. It will be warm and the sun stinging on a clear day. You will it find extremely hot."

Kissoon said with the heat and a lack of water citizens will be very uncomfortable. He advised citizens to protect themselves using an umbrella, wear loose clothing, have water available and stay out of the sun during the period midday to 2 pm when there is high intensity sunlight.

"We do not want people to experience heat exhaustion or sickness due to the temperatures. Drink lots of fluids, especially water."