Heat advisory issued in parts of Bahamas, people urged to stay indoors

The Meteorological Office of Bahamas has issued a heat advisory which is in effect for the islands of Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini with triple digit heat indicating forecasted for the rest of the Northwest and parts of the Central Bahamas till Saturday.

While issuing the advisory, the Met Office advised residents and visitors across these areas to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated and wear protective garments/sunscreen and be under shade or air conditioning when possible.

According to the information, the extreme northwest Bahamas is presently experiencing a heat wave with the expected heat index to be between 102F and 111F in Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini.

Meanwhile, the weather will be mainly fair and warm with a few stray showers while on Saturday it will be partly sunny and very warm with forecasted occasional cloudy periods and isolated showers.

There is also a risk of localised flooding in the low-lying and flood-prone areas, particularly in the Central and Southeast Bahamas because of the heavy and prolonged rainfall events. There is also a chance of funnel clouds and waterspout activity across the three islands.

In the advisory section, people can expect gusty winds and higher seas in or near heavy showers and thunderstorms. The winds will be from south to southwest at 10 knots or less, falling light and variable at times.

The heat wave in the country showcases that the weather is very hot with the Met Office saying that the tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next seven days in the country.

The authorities are urging the citizens and residents to stay safe and indoors and also keep their children inside most of the time under the air conditioner so that they can be protected from the current heat wave affecting most part of the Bahamas. The older people should also be taken care of and must be provided with the desired amount of water.