As I rushed to a meeting one recent afternoon in New York City, the intense sun felt like it was scorching my skin and hair. Sweat trickled beneath my sunglasses, and my T-shirt and shorts clung to my damp body. I was absolutely miserable. Despite having grown up in southern India, where temperatures frequently surpassed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, I had forgotten all the tricks and techniques I used to cope with the heat.
For starters, I was walking outside around 3 p.m. In India, I rarely ventured out between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and if I did, I made sure to come prepared to combat the sun. I typically carried an umbrella, similar to how Victorian women carried parasols, to shield my head and face. I also wore loose-fitting salwar kameez made of thin, airy cotton.
Little did I know at the time, but these methods, commonly practiced throughout South Asia, are scientifically grounded. As global warming causes temperatures to rise, those unaccustomed to dealing with the heat can learn a few strategies from regions that have long faced hot weather.
Covering up is key. In New York, I only carried an umbrella in the rain and rarely wore a hat except at the beach. However, Dr. Jill Tirabassi, a sports medicine expert at the University at Buffalo, explains that having something to shield oneself from direct sunlight is crucial. Similarly, wearing minimal clothing in an attempt to stay cool exposes you to harmful solar radiation. Dr. Tirabassi suggests opting for breathable layers that allow your body heat to escape.
Similarly, individuals in hot regions such as African deserts dress in loose, light-colored clothing that reflects sunlight and promotes air circulation. Fabrics like thin cotton, linen, and bamboo are the most breathable, while synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are the least.
Observing the locals in France, I developed the habit of misting my face with water, which can provide a cooling effect as long as the humidity isn’t too high. Dr. Cecilia Sorensen, an emergency medicine physician at Columbia University, explains that having a layer of cool water on your skin helps accelerate the body’s natural cooling process. Additionally, cool, damp cloths can serve the same purpose. In northern India, it’s common to see men wrapping wet scarves or towels around their neck or head to stay cool.
Staying hydrated is crucial when dealing with the heat. While drinking water is important, replenishing electrolytes is equally necessary. Watery fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and mangoes, as well as soups, help replace lost moisture. Coconut water, which contains electrolytes, is a more beneficial option compared to plain water.
To protect yourself from the sun, it’s best to avoid it whenever possible. Many cultures schedule their work during hours when sunlight is less intense. In southern India, many individuals, especially those who work outside, start their day as early as 4 a.m. and finish by noon, often taking an afternoon nap. Some countries in Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa follow a similar schedule, incorporating a midday break during the hottest hours.
Traditional techniques can keep homes cool without the need for air conditioning. Opening windows in the early morning and closing them before it gets too hot, using heavy curtains to block light and heat, and utilizing ceiling fans to circulate cool air are effective methods. Many Indian homes have verandas, high ceilings, and mud walls to maintain a cool interior. Similarly, the architecture of shotgun houses in New Orleans promotes airflow. High ceilings and ceiling fans also aid in keeping living spaces cool.
Unfortunately, some of these traditional strategies may no longer be as effective due to the rapid pace of climate change. Dr. AchutaRao, a climate scientist in India, states that the need for solutions to keep homes and bodies cool is even more crucial now as temperatures continue to rise. Adjusting to occasional hot days is no longer enough; we must be prepared to deal with weeks of intense heat.