Staying Cool in September

The final weeks of summer in Los Cabos can be tough to weather. After all, the conditions have been oppressively hot since mid-July. The average daily temperature in September is consistently in the high 80s and low 90s F, but seasonal high humidity makes it feel like it’s in the low 100s F. That’s steamy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently dispensed some valuable advice on how to stay safe and cool during an extended Baja heat wave.

- Keep your living space cool. Check the room temperature between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., at 1:00 p.m., and at night after 10:00 p.m. Ideally, room temperatures should be kept below 78 degrees F (24 degrees C). This is especially important for infants or adults over the age of 60 who have chronic health conditions.
- Use light bed linens and sheets and no cushions to avoid heat accumulation.
- During the day, close windows and shutters facing the sun. Hang shades, draperies, awnings or louvres on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
- When the A/C is on, close doors and windows to conserve electricity to ensure that power remains available--and to reduce the chance of a community-wide outage. Electric fans may provide relief, but not when temperatures exceed 90 degrees F.
- Open windows and shutters to allow fresh air to enter at night and in the early morning hours when outside temperatures are lower.
- Avoid going outside during the hottest times of day.
- When you do go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears, and polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Stay in the shade.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity if you can. If you’re a dedicated fitness buff, work out during the coolest time of day, in the morning before 7:00 a.m.
- Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
- Keep your body cool and hydrated by taking cool showers when the heat ramps up. You can also use cold packs and wraps, or sponge and foot baths, to beat the heat.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothes made from natural (breathable) materials.
- Stay hydrated. Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Pay attention to signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, dizziness and headache. If these symptoms occur, rest in a cool place and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes. Seek medical attention if your symptoms persist.
- Limit alcohol intake and avoid too much caffeine and sugar. Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods high in protein.

On the bright side, the scorching heat of a Cabo summer begins to dissipate in October, which means cooler days and cooler nights are just around the corner.