Heat Alert Issued by Meteorological Service: Public Advised to Stay Hydrated

The National Meteorological Service of Belize is issuing a heat alert for tomorrow, March 22.  Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event, where the temperature is expected to be 105% or higher in the next 24 to 72 hours. Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Michelle Augustine advises the public, especially those in the west to stay hydrated and to stay indoors as much as possible.

Michelle Augustine, Deputy Chief Meteorologist: “We have seen some extreme temperatures in terms of temperatures getting hotter. It’s typical for this time of the year though. We’re getting into the hot dry season so we have April and May coming up where we tend to have our most extreme high temperatures occurring. So we’ve seen some this week and as I said Friday we’re forecasting for another chain temperature event particularly for the inland areas but persons along the coast as the winds die down will also feel the increase in temperature. Friday we can expect temperatures in the upper nineties over those inland areas particularly the Cayo district, all along the coast to at least the ninety or ninety one degrees Fahrenheit.”

Reporter: Any advice for the public ? 

Michelle Augustine, Deputy Chief Meteorologist: “Yes of course we normally put up a heat alert where we advise residents particularly in inland areas to stay hydrated, to remain in doors if you don’t have to be outside in the heat because we recognize that heat stress is real and it is affecting persons, particularly older persons.”

The National Met Service has forecast the high temperatures for tomorrow to be 92 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast, and 103 degrees in the interior.