Mediterraneans Find Ways To Cope With Extreme Heat

Extreme heat can be very uncomfortable, as weather forecasts in Europe show that temperature can go up to 40 degrees Celsius. Thankfully, these 'cooling' tips might help to fight the heatwave - in Mediterranean way!

1. Hydrate as much as you can

Cliché to say that water makes you refreshed, but it also has a lot of healthy benefits. So, the hot temperature will not just encourage you to be hydrated, but can also make you be healthy at the same time.

In a study, the benefits of hydration especially for adults include improved brain performance, digestive harmony, decrease in joint pains, prevention of kidney stones, and healthier heart. While drinking eight glasses a day is the target, a human body can take as much as many water as possible.

2. Loose clothes are the way to go

Fashion won't save you in this hot weather, but wearing comfortable clothes can. Loose clothes are highly recommendable, especially if made of natural fibers.

Cotton or silk clothing are softer which are more breathable. These materials are also absorbent that make your skin comfortable.

3. The functional aubergine hat

Cooler head prevails as always, why not with the help of an aubergine hat? Turn it into something with more purpose. Just put some ice packs then voila, magically feel the relief!

4. Prevent heat with closed curtains

Block the heatwave from entering your home through the windows by closing curtains or blinds. While this can make your house cooler, you can also expect a decrease in your electricity bill with this energy-saving tip.

5. Control the airflow

Air conditions are the easy fix but can be expensive. Maximize your fans at home to make the air cooler. Proper airflow can be done through putting fans in the right place. There are also brilliant hacks that can be done easily like putting a bucket of ice in front of the electric fan, or taking the breeze from the outside through blowing the hot air away.

6. Lights off

Yes! Make sure to turn off the lights especially during daytime when it is not really necessary. Most light bulbs create heat which are considered wasted energy, unless it is winter. This tip is also for appliances which are not in use.

7. Be an early bird

Heat can be usually felt in the mid-morning until noon time, caused by the scorching sun. It is better to consider starting your activities early when temperature is much cooler.

8. Treat yourself with a cool shower

This could be the most refreshing way to beat the heat and cool down. Soothing shower is most perfect after an exhausting activity outside. Just turn the shower on, put it on cold, and feel like you're under the rain.

What causes the Mediterranean heat wave?

The record-breaking heat wave struck Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Algeria on April was caused by the human-made climate change, study shows as reported by ABC News.

Triple-digit temperatures are practically impossible without climate change, according to World Weather Attribution, a team of climate scientists investigating whether extreme weather occurrences were affected by climate change.

Ten environmental scientists worked together to assess how human-made climate change had altered the likelihood and intensity of a three-day heat wave in parts of southwestern Europe and North Afrifa in the last week of April.

"As the planet warms, these situations will become more frequent and call for long-term planning, including implementing sustainable agricultural models and effective water management policies," Fatima Driouech, associate professor at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Ben Guerir, Morocco, said.

France Has Highest Number Of Heat-Related Death In Europe

While Mediterranean region are no strangers to hot weather, Parisian faces the highest risk of dying due to heat-related illness.

In a study published in Lancet Planet Health, death associated with the rising temperature was 1.6 times more likely in Paris compared to other European countries, Euronews reported.

Paris is followed by Amsterdam and Zagreb.

Local reports said that Paris is "overheating" and could experience heat waves 34 days per year by 2080. This prompted the French lawmakers to adapt the so called "new reality" to address climate change.