The Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) announced that “true” summer had started on Monday and that temperatures are expected to stay high due to “Al Thuraya star nights”. These nights are predicted to last for nine more days, where intense northwesterly winds will also blow during the day.
Because of this sweltering heat, with temperatures ranging from 34–47°C, QMD has advised the public to take the following steps to avoid heatstrokes:
• drinking enough water
• limiting time spent outdoors
• wearing sunscreen and using umbrellas
• avoiding dark and thick clothing
• taking cool showers
QMD has also cautioned the public against the symptoms of heatstroke. These include rapid heartbeat, hot or red skin without sweating, headaches, vomiting, dizziness, and losing consciousness. As heatstrokes are an emergency, it is essential to call 999 if you develop any of these symptoms.
Additionally, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs had recently announced a law prohibiting workers from working outdoors between 10 am and 3:30 pm, from June 2021 to 15th September 2021, to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and injury. So in line with this decision, Snoonu, the Qatar-born delivery app, announced the launch of its own “No Riders Under the Sun” initiative for the hottest months of the year. Under this initiative, drivers making deliveries from 10 am to 5 pm will do so through company cars instead of motorbikes, which are more common during cooler months.