Above +40 on the thermometer: abnormal heat continues in Central Asia
Since the middle of last week, a number of countries in Central Asia have been experiencing abnormally hot weather – residents of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan are stoically enduring temperatures of +40 degrees Celsius and higher, vendors of cold drinks are basking in attention, and children have taken over city fountains and even irrigation ditches.
Unthinkable temperatures for residents of some parts of the planet have persisted in Central Asian countries in recent days. For instance, in Kyrgyzstan, the thermometer showed 46 degrees last Monday, while residents of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are also "enjoying" heat above 40 degrees Celsius. Hot summers are not new in these countries, but everyone risks getting sunstroke on their way home.
The main danger, however, lurks for the elderly, those with heart conditions, and residents with chronic illnesses – authorized services strongly recommend that they do not leave their homes during the daytime. In addition, residents of the aforementioned countries receive SMS notifications about the possible rise in water levels in rivers and lakes, as well as the need to stock up on plenty of drinking water. They are also advised to be extremely cautious on mountain roads and to choose morning and evening hours for public transport when the heat subsides a bit. Specialists recommend not to neglect umbrellas and hats, and instead of carbonated drinks and beer, which many men prefer to quench their thirst with in the evenings, to consume tea, still water, and berry juices.
However, people are not limited to just drinking cool beverages: pools and parks are full of visitors, mountain meadows near rivers have become "vacant," and Kyrgyz people are flocking to Lake Issyk-Kul, where the temperature is more forgiving. Tajiks have changed into national clothing: the silk fabric from which it is made is light and does not cling to the body, providing natural "ventilation." And while adult citizens are forced to cover their bodies at least a little, it is much easier for children: hundreds of schoolchildren have chosen fountains as their hangout – they can sunbathe and don’t need to go to the pool. Ditches and irrigation channels serve as makeshift pools – you can see kids running around in them everywhere. Young people prefer shopping malls to parks and squares, where air conditioning is installed: it’s hard to find a free spot in food courts, and smoothies and sodas are flying off the shelves.
Athletes are having a tough time: specialists recommend limiting heavy physical labor, but the heat does not stop gym-goers: "a couple of extra fans and jugs of water are the key to a fruitful workout," they joke. However, soon the fountains and squares should significantly thin out: in the next couple of days, the thermometer is expected to "show mercy" and indicate a temperature just above 30 degrees Celsius.