It’s no secret that Egypt’s exceedingly hot temperature is legendary. While many people seem like that they can’t wait for the summer and all the traveling and going out involved, they often forget the risks of such a weather on their body and their overall self.
From the risks of cramps to heat prostration and heat stroke. You can use the below guide to better navigate your way through Egypt’s very hot weather. These tips can help you plan ahead and make you recognize what to do before, during and once you’re exposed to the extreme heat. By designing ahead and taking care of yourself in an exceedingly hot climate, you'll cut back your possibilities of bodily hurt and increase the chance that you’ll not only recover from the ordeal, but also be prepared if you find yourself in danger of a heat stroke.
Plan Ahead to Survive Hot Temperatures
Before going into an extremely hot environment, make sure that you have made plans to secure and retain your most important resource: water. If you know that you will be traveling in a hot climate, plan your movements at the coolest parts of the day -- early in the morning or late in the evening. If you are on a multi-day trip, plan to travel less in the first few days of high heat exposure to give your body time to acclimatize, and then gradually increase distances as you adjust.
Replenish Water and Salt to Combat Heat Illnesses
In very hot conditions, plan to drink at least one quart of water in the morning, during each meal and before strenuous physical activity. Plan to drink one quart of water per hour as a general guideline, but realize that you may need to drink more than that to allow for variations in your body size, body type, and type of activity. It’s better to drink smaller amounts of water frequently than to gulp large quantities of water on a few occasions, as drinking large quantities of water may cause heat cramps. If possible, drink cool water (about 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit), and make the effort to keep water cool by wrapping containers in wet clothes and keeping them out of the sun.
Salt also helps the body maintain its homeostasis, so plan to replenish salt by eating regular meals. Too little salt causes heat cramps, and too little salt combined with insufficient water supply can lead to heat exhaustion. It’s okay to drink beverages designed to keep electrolytes in balance, but these should not be the only source of water.
Choose Climate-Specific Clothing and Gear
Although you may be tempted to remove clothing when you are hot, resist the temptation and remain clothed to reduce your body’s water loss to evaporation. In very high temperatures and low humidity, sweating may not be noticeable because it will evaporate quickly; therefore, make an effort to keep sweat on the skin by avoiding direct sun and by wearing clothing that covers all of your skin. Lightweight shirts, pants, hats, and scarves can provide necessary shade and comfort. Wear sunscreen on any exposed skin, and consider carrying a lightweight tarp to shade yourself if you don’t anticipate finding naturally shaded spots to rest.
Final Tips for Surviving Hot Temperatures
Take frequent rests in the shade to allow your body the opportunity to stay cool. If the shade is difficult to find, get creative by making your own shade with clothing strung over your trekking poles or by sheltering in a hole in the ground if you find yourself in a desperate situation. Remember that water is your most important resource, so protect the water that’s already in your body by avoiding the sun and the wind, as both can increase water evaporation from your body. Do not eat unless you have plenty of water, and limit or cease physical activity if your water resources are critical.