With temperatures forecast to reach 40°C in Santa Catarina this weekend, precautions must be taken to avoid severe dehydration. This information is confirmed by the warning of the Civil Defense of Santa Catarina published this Friday (15).

A doctor explains how to survive the 40°C forecast in Santa Catarina – Photo: Unsplash/Disclosure/ND

According to the alert, thermometers are expected to “burst” in some regions, especially in the West, this Saturday (16) and Sunday (17).

How to avoid dehydration at 40°C

Medical coordinator for pediatrics at the Imperial Hospital of Caridade, Dr. Flavia Zandavalli, stresses the importance of preventing problems related to dehydration, which she says can be very serious.

According to the specialist, dehydration can be manifested by symptoms such as dry mouth, little saliva, sunken eyes with absence of tears, decreased urine output, drowsiness, weakness and malaise.

In addition to the more common symptoms, dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness, irritability and weakness, and in more serious cases, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness and seizures.

To avoid discomfort, it is recommended to exercise caution, such as choosing ventilated areas, wearing light clothing, sunscreen, a hat or cap, and avoiding direct exposure to the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. On hot days, it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day and wash your hands regularly.

“Eating fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, avoiding fried foods and excess salt, paying attention to cooking and conditioning raw foods, and increasing fluid intake are other practices that improve care during heat waves,” the doctor adds.

For children, nursing mothers and the elderly, who are considered more susceptible to heat, the pediatrician emphasizes the need for additional care. These groups may sometimes have difficulty expressing thirst, requiring encouragement to drink fluids and protect themselves from the sun. Particular attention is needed to maintain the health of these people in more difficult weather conditions.

Can you die from dehydration?

Answer: yes. After 61,000 deaths were recorded during Europe’s high summer temperatures, the world was on alert for dehydration.

According to the Ministry of Health, death from dehydration is a gradual process that occurs when the body loses more fluid than it can replace. This can lead to severe dehydration, which can lead to serious complications and ultimately death.

Dehydration after 40 degree heat in Santa Catarina – Photo: Freepik/Disclosure/ND

At the same time, lack of water affects blood volume, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness and weakness because the heart has to work harder to pump blood.

Then, as blood volume decreases, blood flow to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain is impaired. This can lead to dysfunction of these organs.

Finally, the body’s cells begin to lose water, which affects their ability to function properly. This can lead to problems with the nervous, cardiovascular and renal systems.

Severe dehydration can lead to shock, a condition in which vital organs do not receive enough blood flow to function properly. This is when the process can lead to multiple organ failure and ultimately death.

forecast 40°C

A strong heat wave continues the weather this Thursday morning (14), with sun and heat prevailing for most of the day in Santa Catarina. However, according to the Civil Defense weather forecast, instability will again prevail this afternoon and evening, creating conditions for showers across the Great West and parts of the Tablelands and South Coast.

Meteorologist Peter Scheuer emphasizes that the strong heat wave affecting southern Brazil is keeping the weather stable throughout the day. However, there will be cloudy spells at certain times and brief and isolated showers possible due to temperature and humidity.

In terms of minimum temperatures this Thursday, they range from 20°C to 23°C in the West, Far West and coastal areas and 14°C to 19°C in the rest of the state. Maximum temperatures reach 30°C in most of the state and range from 33°C to 36°C in the west, far west, south coast and Alto Vale do Itajaí.