Heatwave continues as records melt away

Take note – story published 9 years ago

Latvia experienced the hottest day in its history Sunday when temperatures in the coastal town of Ventspils touched 36.7 degrees Celsius (98 Fahrenheit), with the rest of the country not far behind.

According to LSM weather expert Toms Bricis, Monday could see the mercury rise even beyond that mark after temperatures in most of the country stayed above 20C throughout the night, with 37C a possibility in parts of the western region of Kurzeme.

Meanwhile emergency services are advising the public to take care in the heat and visit doctors if necessary.

Emergency medical services spokeswoman Inga Vanaga told Latvian Radio on Monday that the heatwave was taking its toll on a population engaging in too much physical exertion – and drinking too much alcohol – as the sun's rays beat down.

Forecasters are predicting the Latvian heatwave isn't set to end any time soon and could last until August 13 or 15, though temperatures are expected to dip slightly after Wednesday. 

On Sunday another medial services spokeswoman, Inga Vitola, told Latvian Radio people needed to make sure they were properly hydrated;

"Every day we get calls to cases where someone has been working in the sun for too long without getting enough fluids. It is mainly older people who make this mistake, but some young people too. If you are working in the garden or the fields, you need to take the chance to cool off and drink fluids regularly," Vitola said.

Anyone in need of urgent medical attention is advised to call 113.

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