Summer camp students from Vaz Preparatory School enjoy the cool waters at the Bournemouth Bath in east Kingston yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

Temperatures in Jamaica have jumped by around two degrees Celsius since the start of July and Jamaicans are sweating in what could be the hottest summer since 2005.

And the news is, August is expected to see a continuation of the scorching heat.

In June, the average temperature was generally around 30. However, this jumped to 32 approaching the middle of the summer, and for several days this month touched 33.

On Tuesday, despite morning rainfall in some areas, the temperature was 33, which is 91 on the Fahrenheit scale.

Validity questioned

To many Jamaicans, the days have felt hotter than the thermometer suggests, tempting some persons to question the validity of the readings mentioned above.

But, according to head of the Climate Branch at the Meteorological Service, Jeffrey Spooner, there is reason for this perception.

"The humidity plays a significant role in how hot or cold one feels. It's a matter of the heat index," Spooner explained.

"If the humidity is high and temperature is high and the wind is fairly light, you will feel much hotter than it really is," he explained.

Spooner said the Intergovern-mental Panel on Climate Change has noted that Jamaica (and other countries) will record increased temperatures.

The scenario ties in with United Kingdom weather experts, who had predicted that 2009 would have been warmer than 2008 and could turn out to be the hottest year since 2005.

The high temperatures have also caused a hike in electricity usage, according to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), as air-conditioning units, fans and refrigerators are brought more into play.

"It happens every year, actually," said Audrey Williams, JPS corporate communication officer.

Electricity consumption rise

According to Williams, the JPS has seen an increase of approximately five per cent in electricity consumption over the past month. Consumption, she said, has moved from a peak demand in June of 588 megawatts to a peak of 620 megawatts since the start of July.

She was not able to immediately say how this compares to figures from last summer.

However, with the heat on, Jamaicans are now concerned about how to beat it and keep cool.

Spooner said Jamaica is blessed to have access to the sea breeze but suggested: "Keep out of the direct sunshine, stay in shaded areas as much as you can and you should be able to survive."

This suggests that going to the beach might not be so helpful, unless you spend most of your time under an umbrella.

carl.gilchrist@gleanerjm.com

Cool ways to beat the heat

1. Fans help you keep cool but the fan motors generate heat so if you are leaving the room, turn it off.

2. Use a bath fan vented to the outside, and a kitchen exhaust fan, to remove heat from the bathroom and kitchen, respectively.

3. Using fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones reduces the heat in the room.

4. Don't stay in the kitchen for extended periods, or the house for that matter, unless, of course, you have air conditioning.

5. If you live in a multi-storey house, remember the lower floors are cooler.

6. Turn off anything that gives off heat.

7. Let in the wind by opening doors and windows.

8. Take a cool shower, although some suggest that having a warm shower will make you feel cooler after you finish.

9. Consume cool beverages and food. Ice cream and popsicles are good but make sure you stock up on water.

10. Preferred clothing includes cotton, light colours, and loose-fitting attire.

11. Avoid direct contact with the sunlight as much as possible.