Starting today and continuing until the end of July (from July 24 to 31), Tajikistan is expected to experience a significant heatwave.

According to the Republic's Hydrometeorological Center (Hydromet), temperatures in the valley regions in districts subordinate to the center, including Dushanbe and the Sughd province, will reach a maximum of 40ºC - 43ºC.

In the Khatlon province, temperatures will rise to 43ºC - 46ºC.

In the Darvoz district of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), the thermometer will rise to 40ºC - 42ºC degrees , while in some mountainous and foothill areas, temperatures will range from 37ºC to 40ºC.

Meteorologists note that due to the rise in air temperature, the water levels in the Zarafshon, Panj, and Vakhsh river basins are expected to increase.

In the mountainous and high mountain areas in districts subordinate to the center and in the western part of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, glacial-type mudflow events are possible.

Previously, an official source within Hydromet told Asia-Plus that July in Tajikistan would be hot, with temperatures slightly above the climatic norm.  

It was also reported that the amount of precipitation in most areas would be below normal, except for certain mountainous areas and the eastern regions of GBAO, where more rain is expected.

On certain days, the west wind is expected to intensify to 15-20 m/s, accompanied by dust storms and haze.

Until the beginning of this week, air temperatures in most parts of the country did not exceed 36ºC - 38ºC.

How to cope with the heat

Most people feel unwell during hot days, especially those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, etc.  The heart and blood vessels, as well as the respiratory system, are particularly burdened during heatwaves.  It is essential to be vigilant on these days, limit outdoor activities, especially at noon, and wear light cotton clothing while drinking more water.

Recommendations for staying safe in the heat:

• Drink more clean water.  Warm water is recommended as it quenches thirst better and prevents throat issues compared to cold water.
• If possible, perform wet cleaning and try to humidify the air in the apartment using humidifiers or simply by hanging wet sheets around the house.
• When relaxing by water bodies, strictly follow all safety rules and avoid swimming in prohibited or unestablished places.
• If you must go outside in the heat, protect yourself with hats and umbrellas.
• Take water procedures more frequently to clean your pores and refresh your body.

Remember that the sun is most active from 12:00 to 16:00, but in extreme weather, it is recommended to avoid going outside from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.  If going out is inevitable, protect all exposed body parts from the sun using closed clothing and apply sunscreen to your face, neck, and hands.