If you've stepped outside in Dhaka recently, you already know the heat is no joke. Walking just a few meters can leave you drenched in sweat and searching for shade. With high temperatures and suffocating humidity, staying cool isn't just about comfort anymore — it's about health and safety.
Whether you are commuting through traffic, working outside, or just trying to survive load-shedding without an air conditioner, it's important to stay one step ahead of the heat. Here are 14 practical ways from Harvard Health Publishing to cool down and protect yourself in this scorching heat.
1. Know the hottest times of day
Download a weather app and track hourly temperatures. In Dhaka, the heat often peaks between 12pm and 4pm. Try to schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late evening.
2. Stay hydrated
Your body cools down by sweating — but you need to replace that lost fluid. Aim for at least 11 cups (2.6 litres) of water daily for women and 15 cups (3.5 litres) for men. Add extra if you're outside a lot or sweating heavily. Coconut water, water-rich fruits (like watermelon), and oral saline drinks can help too.
3. Seek air-conditioned spaces
If your home doesn't have AC or there's a power cut, head to shopping malls like Bashundhara City, Jamuna Future Park, libraries, or cinemas. Some community centres also act as cooling shelters during extreme heat.
4. Use fans wisely
Fans can help, but only if the air isn't hot and dry. Boost their cooling effect by wetting your skin with water or wipes. The fan will then help cool you through evaporation.
5. Take frequent breaks
Doing errands or working outside? Don't push yourself too hard. Take short breaks in the shade or indoors. Physical activity creates more heat inside your body, making it even harder to stay cool.
6. Carry your cool-down kit
Never leave home without a water bottle, hand fan, wet wipes, and maybe even a small cooling towel or ice pack. You'll thank yourself when you're stuck in traffic or facing a long power outage.
7. Dress smart
Wear loose, breathable clothing in light colours. Cotton and linen are your best friends. Avoid tight synthetic fabrics, which trap heat and sweat.
8. Try cooling tech gear
Available online or at select sports shops, cooling clothes and accessories (like neck wraps or caps that retain moisture) can help regulate your body temperature.
9. Make your own cooling towel
Wet a thin towel or old T-shirt with cold water and drape it over your neck or head. Keep it moist by re-wetting it when needed. For a longer-lasting option, use a gel-based cooling scarf.
10. Eat and drink something cold
Have some ice chips, cold water, or a popsicle. Avoid super cold drinks if you have a sensitive stomach, but something cool can help lower your core temperature and improve hydration.
11. Take a cool shower or bath
Even a lukewarm or slightly cool shower can help. After bathing, stand in front of a fan to boost cooling through evaporation.
12. Use the "forearm method"
A trick used by soldiers: submerge your hands, forearms, and elbows in cold or ice water for about 5 minutes. It cools the blood quickly and helps lower body temperature fast.
13. Apply ice packs to key areas
If you're overheating, place an ice pack or cold compress on pulse points, such as the neck, armpits, elbows, or groin — areas where blood flows close to the skin.
14. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion
Even with precautions, Dhaka's heat can be dangerous. Seek help if you or someone else exhibits these symptoms, such as excessive sweating, headache or dizziness, a weak or rapid pulse, muscle cramps, pale or clammy skin, or feeling faint or extremely tired. Call a doctor or emergency services if these symptoms worsen.
Extra tip: Look out for others
Check in on your elderly neighbours, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses. They're more vulnerable to heat. Also, remind outdoor workers (delivery staff, construction workers, rickshaw pullers) to take breaks and hydrate.
The bottom line
Dhaka is only getting hotter. But with a little preparation and awareness, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Don't wait until the heat gets unbearable — act early, stay cool, and spread the word.
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