The hot weather across Turkey is expected to last 10 more days as temperatures rise above seasonal norms by 6-8 degrees Celsius in most parts of the country.

The high temperatures are continuing to disrupt daily life for many throughout the country. Antalya, which was expected to see the temperature increase to 38 degrees Celsius, saw temperatures rise as high as 42 degrees Celsius.

State Meteorology Bureau officials have warned that the humidity levels may be as high as 80 percent in the city. In Ankara, where the temperatures are 7 to 9 degrees higher than seasonal norms, civil servants with serious ailments were granted administrative leave from Aug. 4-6.

Experts advise checking the sensible temperature before going out, because forecasted temperatures may be misleading.

Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Chamber of Meteorological Engineers Chairman Adem Tasci said although temperatures are measurable, people and animals feel the heat in accordance with various atmospheric conditions. “The measured temperatures show the heat in the shade. Therefore, people must care about sensible temperature [which is the heat that people feel with humidity taken into account] rather than the forecasted temperatures,” he explained.

Tasciı noted that sensible temperatures are interpreted according to a chart of temperatures and relative humidity. “For example, in a place where the temperature is forecasted to be 33 degrees Celsius and the relative humidity is about 65-70 percent, the temperature that the residents of the city would feel is about 42-45 degrees Celsius,” he said.

Meanwhile, experts say that people's bodies are affected in accordance with temperature.

Between 27-32 degrees Celsius, which is defined as hot, individuals may suffer from exhaustion and their circulation and respiratory systems may be negatively affected.

Between 33-41 degrees Celsius, which is defined as very hot, thermal stress, sun stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion may result. Between 42-54 degrees Celsius, which is defined as dangerously hot, heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion may occur.


Agencies