Panama is under heat alerts and high ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation levels, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius and a heat index that can feel as high as 42 degrees, according to a watch advisory in effect until next Friday. The persistence of atmospheric conditions favors a dry and warm period with 'significantly elevated maximum temperatures in much of the country,' states the alert issued by the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA). The combination of these temperatures with high humidity levels increases the heat index, both during the day and at night, the latter occasionally, the watch adds. The forecasting agency indicates that during the day, temperatures will range between 31 and 37 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity varying between 65% and 82%, which will result in a heat index of 34 to 42 degrees Celsius. The heat index is the perceived feeling of hot or cold by a person based on a combination of meteorological parameters. 'During the day, conditions could reach categories from 'extreme caution' to 'danger,' which increases the likelihood of sunstroke, cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke from prolonged exposure to the sun or engaging in strenuous physical activity,' adds IMHPA. Regarding UV-B radiation indices, the watch advisory, which in this case will be in effect until this Thursday, states that the mostly clear skies favor an increase in direct incident radiation over the country, so people are advised to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
