Three days of max 37°C weather classified as heat wave in Malaysia

— AZMAN GHANI/The Star

KOTA KINABALU: The public has been urged to drink more water, practice cooling and hydrating habits and to cut down on outdoor activities during this hot season.

The Sabah Health Department said that a heatwave is a period of time where the temperature exceeds the normal maximum average degree.

In Malaysia, a heat wave is classified when the average daily maximum temperature exceeds 37°C for three consecutive days, said the department.

These kind of conditions usually occurs in March and April.

Among the things the public can practice during the hot season include using umbrellas or caps when outside under the sun, drinking lots of water, refrain from sitting inside a car without the air-conditioner or windows opened, and turning on fans or air-conditioning to keep cool.

People are also encouraged to wear light-coloured and thinner clothing materials and reduce the intake of caffeine or alcohol during this period.

During a heat wave, the risk of haze also increases – especially when open burning is not prevented, said the department.

It also urged the public to stop open burning.

Those affected by long-term haze situations could suffer from itchy and painful throats that lead to coughing, runny nose and sneezing, difficulty in breathing, painful and watery eyes, itching on skin and chest pains.

The public is advised to keep tabs on daily weather conditions and to live their daily lives according to safety and health guidelines during this weather.