Amman, August 11 (Petra) - Health and weather officials are warning Jordanians to avoid direct sun exposure as summer temperatures peak, noting that heat-related illnesses treated by emergency crews reached 178 cases over 2024 and 2025.

Paramedics treated 80 heatstroke cases in 2024 and 98 in 2025, according to Civil Defense Directorate (CDD) annual statistics obtained by Petra. Incidents routinely spike during July and August, when temperatures across parts of the Kingdom frequently surpass 40 C.

Mohammad Tarawneh, a consultant in internal and respiratory medicine, told Petra that heat complications pose severe risks, particularly for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes.

He explained that heat exhaustion occurs from prolonged exposure and dehydration, causing headaches, nausea, and fatigue while body temperature remains normal. It can typically be treated by moving the individual to a cool area and providing fluids.

Heat syncope, meanwhile, can occur when excessive sweating causes the body to lose fluids and electrolytes, leading to a drop in blood pressure, particularly when standing. Raising the person's legs and providing fluids can help.

Heatstroke is the primary danger, occurring when core body temperature reaches or exceeds 40 C, according to Tarawneh. It impairs brain function, can trigger loss of consciousness or coma, and demands "immediate" emergency medical intervention.

The CDD, Jordan Meteorological Department, and medical experts advised avoiding direct sunlight between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can prove fatal if untreated.

//Petra// HA

11/08/2026 17:39:01