Another day in a 'HEAT WAVE'

Another day in a ‘HEAT WAVE’                  

3rd August 20

      “Most of us has experienced or read about heatwaves, it is such an experience where one feel as if the end of life on planet Earth. Honestly speaking we can control winter or cold wind by wearing extra warm clothing’s, but to control heat we are helpless, no matter what we wear, and if there is heatwave rushing like invisible fire ball. Heat waves form when high pressure aloft (from 10,000–25,000 feet (3,000–7,600 meters)) strengthens and remains over a region for several days up to several weeks. This is common in summer (in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres) as the jet stream 'follows the sun'. On the equator side of the jet stream, in the upper layers of the atmosphere, is the high- pressure area.

Summertime weather patterns are generally slower to change than in winter. As a result, this upper level high pressure also moves slowly. Under high pressure, the air subsides (sinks) toward the surface, warming and drying adiabatically, inhibiting convection, and preventing the formation of clouds. Reduction of clouds increases shortwave radiation reaching the surface. A low pressure at the surface leads to surface wind from lower latitudes that brings warm air, enhancing the warming.”

    The above was the discussion in my ‘Geography’ class, during my high school days the teacher was discussion and I felt so bored slept through out the lecture about heat waves. I was thinking well ‘we are not living in the desert or anywhere near it’,

    Why I remember the above class of 80 suddenly! cause last week, I was at the beach with my friends, in fact we stay overnight stay at the beach, it was lovely. We were celebrating the 30 years of our union. All girl power, about 15 of us, all good swimmer, except for me, I got a phobia, since my childhood, I cannot go deep in the water. Well! Let start the real scenario of ‘strength, weakness and determination’

Scenario 1:            

                  It was almost 1.00 am, we were sitting around the bonfire, telling all sort of scary stories, play lots of games, recalling our school days and suddenly my friend , Mary, said; ‘ Nan, do you remember the geography class about the heat waves and so on’, I gave her a angry look, and said; ‘ well dear now you are going to make fun of me cause, half her lecture I was yawning, and at last fall asleep.’ Everyone started giggling, I said well guys, even now I am sleepy, going to bed, Good night! See you guys tomorrow, for breakfast”,  Mary jumped up, and said wait, I think I am sleepy too , lets call it a night off, the rest of my friends , said yes, better go and rest, cause it is so hot, there is no Sun, but still so hot hardly can feel the wind’. So, we pick up our belongings all went to their own rooms, we were 15, we were sharing rooms, so there were 5 booked bedrooms for us, 3 in each room. It was a real fun, and we know after this couple of days it will be hard for us to meet again, as we will be starting our work life, some getting married, etc.

Scenario 2:

    Everyone fast asleep, It, was almost 3.00am, I was feeling so hot and thirsty, had a glass of water open the window, was so quiet outside, I was feeling really strange and sleepy too, just close the window and check the air conditioner remote, it was ok, ‘ I don’t know for how long I was deep in sleep, was dreaming, about the heat wave, water and everyone swimming,’ Then suddenly Jessie, simply shook me, Nan, Nan, wake up, I jumped up and said, ‘what is your problem ? She said, ‘you know what time it is, I looked at her may be 6 in the morning’. NO! it is almost 3.00pm, ‘WHAT’? I have been sleeping so long and dreaming,’ Yes, dear, we had our breakfast, lunch, in fact! Mary went for a walk along the beach, and asked us to join her, but since you are still in bed, I thought better wake you before, are continue your sleep for the next day,’ I say, ‘ very funny’.  

Scenario 3:

   While walking down the beach, I asked , Jessie, ‘Did you ever experience ‘Heat Wave’ upon this she gave me a dirty look, and uttered ,’ dear as it is, so hot and burning, you are talking about, ‘Heat Wave’, I said, ‘My dear, this is a sort of heat wave already, did you apply ‘sun protection lotion’, what about ‘Mary’ , where is she I cannot she her, ‘May be she is further down’, by than we were worried already, I asked, Jessie where are the rest of the gang, they are inside the hotel, cause they were feeling too, hot don’t want to swim at the beach, prefer using indoor swimming pool, I said, well a wise choice. Anyway, hunt for Mary started, I told Jessie don’t panic anyone, Suddenly , we felt the hot , strong wind on us, it was as if someone is throwing warm water on us, my eyes was blur, as I forgot my sunglasses, lucky Jessie was wearing hers, I told her, ‘Jessie I am going to close my eyes please hold my hands, and guide me’. Jessie was so hot, she said , I don’t think I can walk any further, she step on the broken glass bottle started to bleed, I saw her bleeding, saw a boy nearby call him, to take her to the hotel, the boy look at us and said, last night there was a weather forecast announce warning everyone to stay indoors, because of the ‘Heat Wave’. ‘Why you guys are out? Your friend got heat stroke, I gave a panicky look to the buy and said, “please, take her inside and call for help”, she needs first aid. At this point my heart was pumping like a ‘waterfall’, at the same time my eyes were burning, I manage to wet my face towel put on my eyes for a while, start walking , but couldn’t see any clear picture of the beach, I can only feel the heat, as I was walking my legs hit on something, I look down, my goodness. Atlas! Found Mary, but she was not moving , luckily I was holding my phone call the hotel reception, they rushed out and call for 911, we took Mary in, and I told the reception to bring some ice, than quickly I remember my geography teacher to ‘give bath of cold ice water to lower your temperature quickly.’ I did the same with the help of the group of friends, at last Mary, smile and the paramedic arrives, and took her to the hospital. It was the most amazing and unforgettable experience of my life, or rather our lives .    Remembering that moment today, while visiting Mary’s daughter 5^th birthday at the same beach.

BY: Nazneen Rasheed Ariff

       Malaysia