In Guinea-Bissau, humidity increases the sensation of heat
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on O Democrata
Illustrative image · Gustave Feldy · Pexels · Licence PexelsThe average temperature in Guinea-Bissau reached 28.6°C on 26 October, just 0.6°C above the monthly norm, according to Orlando Mendes, director of the Climatology and Agrometeorology Service. He mainly attributes the intense sensation of heat to high humidity, which hampers the removal of heat through sweating, O Democrata reports.
The average temperature in Guinea-Bissau reached 28.6°C on 26 October, 0.6°C above the climatological average for the month, Orlando Mendes, director of the National Meteorological Service’s Climatology and Agrometeorology Service, said in an interview with O Democrata. He believes this limited increase is not enough to explain the strong sensation of heat felt by the population.
According to Orlando Mendes, the high level of humidity in the air increases thermal discomfort because it hampers the removal of body heat through sweating. He said that this situation is usual in October, a month that is generally hotter than September.
The climatologist also recalled that deforestation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, which are driving a gradual rise in temperatures worldwide. He recommends drinking regularly, wearing light-coloured, lightweight clothing and limiting direct exposure to the sun, particularly for children and vulnerable people.
The announcement comes as Guinea-Bissau has also been the subject of an initiative to prevent breast cancer, published on 9 October.
