Heat Action Day being observed today

Communities worldwide, including Nepal, are observing the fifth annual Heat Action Day to highlight the severe dangers of extreme heat and promote safety measures. The global campaign, initiated by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), focuses this year on 'Indoor Heat,' drawing attention to the increasing health risks posed by high temperatures within homes, schools, and workplaces.

Heat Action Day, first observed in 2022, aims to underscore the urgent need for communities, governments, and organizations to enhance their preparedness and resilience against the escalating impacts of extreme heat, which are closely linked to climate change. The Nepal Red Cross Society, along with the IFRC and various local stakeholders, has been instrumental in organizing awareness programs to help people cope with extreme heat events.

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Heat Action Day observance aims to share practical measures for staying safe amid increasing temperatures induced by climate change.

Climate management expert Dr. Dharmaraj Uprety noted that the observance serves to share practical strategies for staying safe as temperatures rise. He pointed out that global average temperatures have surpassed the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. Furthermore, the development of the El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to contribute to above-average temperatures across Nepal and other Asian countries during the upcoming monsoon season.

Dr. Uprety cautioned that reduced pre-monsoon rainfall in Nepal's Tarai region could lead to lower overall rainfall and more intense heat in the coming months. This forecast emphasizes the importance of the awareness and preparedness measures promoted on Heat Action Day, particularly for vulnerable populations.

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the development of El Niño weather phenomena is expected to contribute to above-average temperatures during this year’s monsoon season in Nepal and other Asian countries.