Al Ain: With a couple of weeks to go until the start of the summer season, child safety advocates yesterday advised parents to prevent children from extended outdoor activities, as the mercury continues to rise across the emirates.

The pre-summer heat and increasing amount of ultra-violet (UV) radiation from the sun are silent health hazards.

"It's the last week of May, but conditions have already become very hot and children need to take measures to beat the heat," said Dr Abdul Rashid, a physician in Al Ain.

The weather conditions have grown to a stage where people need to avoid long exposure to sunlight and exertion.

"No matter what activity you choose to do be sure not to over-exert yourself," he said.

Dangers

Dr Abdul Rashid said heat, direct sunlight and UV rays can cause heatstroke, drowsiness, dehydration, confusion and coma. "Children and people involved in outdoor activities are more open to the risks.

"If you feel dizziness or weakness, stop what you are doing, take plenty of water and consult a doctor," he said.

Dr Riaz Ahmad Minhas, a physician at the Emirates Clinic and Medical Centre in Al Ain, said the weather is very hot and unbearable for the human body, especially from 12pm to 5pm.

During this time people should avoid staying out in the hot and humid environment and cover their head and neck before going out into the sun.

"Heat and long exposure to direct sunlight disturbs the thermo-regulatory system of the human body, leading to a dangerous rise in body temperature," he said.

Factors

People with fair skin are more susceptible to sunburn, heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. "Protective measures, however, must be adopted by everyone regardless of their [skin] colour," he added.

Medical centres and clinics in Al Ain have already started receiving patients suffering from heat stress. The number of patients is expected to rise in the days to come when seasonal maximum temperatures go up to 48 degrees Celsius and above.

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) also reports hot to very hot conditions across the UAE.

On Monday, Al Ain and Liwa were the hottest cities with maximum temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius.

Safety tips

• Minimise exposure to sunlight

• Take plenty of water, at least three litres

• Reduce visits to beach and desert

• Wear light clothing and sunscreen

• Carry a hat or an umbrella

• Don't delay medical help

• Help in getting first aid to anybody fainting in the sun