How to Beat the Heat Wave in Singapore: Indoor & Outdoor Tips
The key to beating the heat wave in Singapore is to avoid the midday sun, use sunscreen and facial wipes, and stay hydrated throughout the day whilst you are outdoors. If you are indoors, avoid the sunlight while working, use cooling bedsheets and a portable fan or air conditioner, and jump in for a cool shower.
This heatwave, as you may have experienced already, is no joke! To help you stay cool and protected during this hot spell, this Pacific Prime CXA article provides you with a list of simple and practical tips for beating the heat, whether you’re out and about or staying indoors.
Singapore’s Current Heat Wave Woes
Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) is urging the public to exercise caution when venturing outdoors due to the scorching temperatures and dangerously high UV levels we’ve been experiencing recently.
The El Niño phenomenon has brought unusually hot weather to Southeast Asia, with Singapore experiencing record-breaking temperatures. According to USGS, the term El Niño refers to a warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures, in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
The low-level surface winds, which normally blow from east to west along the equator (“easterly winds”), instead weaken or, in some cases, start blowing in the other direction (from west to east or “westerly winds”
This extreme heat in Singapore can lead to various health issues, including heat rash, heat exhaustion-induced headaches, and other harmful effects from extended exposure to the sun’s intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Keeping Cool When You’re Out and About in Singapore
Singapore’s tropical climate can be unforgiving, especially during the hottest months. But don’t let the heat keep you cooped up indoors!
From drinking lots of water to using sunscreen, here are some practical and easy-to-follow tips to help you stay cool, comfortable, and protected while you’re out and about in the Lion City’s sweltering weather:
1. Steer Clear of the Midday Sun
The sun reaches its peak intensity between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., so it’s best to stay indoors during these hours, as the heat and humidity can become unbearable.
Instead of braving the outdoors, why not catch up with friends inside? If you’re planning outdoor activities, aim for early morning or late evening when the sun’s rays are less fierce. This way, you can enjoy the outdoors without battling the most intense heat of the day.
2. Use Sunscreen and Shield Your Skin
If you really have to go outside, then applying sunscreen regularly is highly recommended. Why is it important to use sunscreen when you’re out? The sun’s harsh UV rays can dehydrate your skin and accelerate the aging process of your skin cells.
One of the most effective ways to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation is to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. We strongly recommend looking for SPF 50+ PA+++ sunscreens that offer high-level protection against the sun’s effects.
Applying sunscreen in hot outdoor conditions will help cool you down and minimize long-term skin damage. Don’t forget to use sunscreen indoors as well, especially if you work or study near windows where sunlight can reach you. Your future self will appreciate this proactive skincare habit!
3. Keep Refreshing Facial Wipes Handy
Facial wipes are a must-have for those always on the move as they’re light and easy to carry. When the scorching heat gets overwhelming, just pull out these handy, pre-moistened wipes to wipe away sweat and oil from your face.
Here’s a cool trick: go for facial wipes that offer instant cooling relief. Their chilly sensation will quickly bring down your body’s temperature. Try placing these refreshing sheets on your temples and neck on a sweltering summer day to help lower your body heat.
4. Stay Hydrated
Maintaining proper hydration is a must during hot weather, as it plays a key role in regulating your body temperature, cooling you down, and preventing heat-related illnesses.
To ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day, carry an insulated water bottle filled with refreshingly cold water. Not only will this save the environment, as you wouldn’t need to buy bottled water whenever you’re out, this simple habit allows you to quench your thirst and cool off no matter where you are.
Additionally, consider changing your hydration routine by drinking electrolyte-rich beverages or infusing your water with slices of fresh fruits like lemon, cucumber, or berries. These additions not only make your drink more appealing but also provide extra nutrients and flavor.
5. Dress in Light, Breathable Clothing
When the temperature rises, pick clothes made from light, airy fabrics like breezy linen. These allow your skin to breathe, unlike heavy, thick materials that can trap heat and weigh you down in hot weather.
For tropical climates, light cotton is the top choice. It’s airy, absorbs sweat, and lets your skin breathe. Heading to the office? Go for button-down shirts in light cotton, linen, or chambray to beat the heat while looking sharp.
How to Keep Cool When You’re Indoors in Singapore
Even when you’re inside, Singapore’s heat can still be a challenge. From using cooling bedsheets to investing in a hot and cold water dispenser, Here are some smart strategies to keep your indoor spaces cool and comfortable, helping you beat the heat without breaking a sweat:
1. Keep Sunlight Away From Your Working Area
Rooms with plenty of windows and natural light can become unbearably hot during peak seasons, as sunlight easily heats up the space.
To combat this, consider installing thick or black-out curtains to block the sun’s rays. But if you’re not ready to give up all that natural light, you’ve got options: try using sheer curtains or applying high-reflectivity film to your windows. These solutions can help cut down on solar heat and glare while still letting some brightness in.
2. Use Cooling Bedsheets and Pillows
When the nights are hot and humid, you don’t want to wake up soaked in sweat because of unsuitable bedding. For a more restful sleep, go for breathable, light cotton sheets. Treat yourself to soft cotton sheets for that fresh, cool sensation. But remember to ditch the heavy comforter – a light blanket is all you need!
Want to take your sleep to the next level? Consider investing in cooling bedsheets and pillows made from Tencel – a soft, smooth, lightweight, and breathable material. Wave goodbye to those unpleasant night sweats and welcome better sleep and pleasant dreams.
3. Place Your Fan or Portable A/C in the Right Place
Finding yourself hot, itchy, and irritated while working from home due to the heat seeping in from outside? While running the AC constantly during unbearable hot spells can skyrocket your electricity bills, there’s a more budget-friendly and eco-conscious alternative: use fans or portable air conditioners!
Here’s a cool tip you might not know – pointing a fan out of the room can help cool your room more quickly! If you have a movable fan, try positioning it facing out of an open window. This clever trick helps push hot air out of your space while drawing in cooler air from outside.
4. Invest in a Hot and Cold Water Dispenser
Consider getting a hot and cold water dispenser for your home, as it’s a smart addition that provides both hot and cold water at the touch of a button. After a long day at work or running errands in the heat, nothing beats having instant access to a refreshing glass of cold water to help you cool off and rehydrate.
By investing in a hot and cold water dispenser, you’re not just beating the heat – you’re adding convenience and promoting better hydration habits for you and your family all year long.
5. Jump in For a Cool Shower
On scorching, sweat-inducing days, few things are better than a refreshing shower to help you cool down completely. Try using cooling shower gels that leave a pleasant minty tingle on your skin, helping you feel fresh for extended periods.
To maximize the cooling effect, start with warm water and gradually lower the temperature. This is less of a shock to your system and can be more effective at lowering your body temperature. For an extra burst of refreshment, finish with a quick cold rinse.
Remember, while a cool shower can give you immediate relief, it’s also a great opportunity to rehydrate your skin. Look for moisturizing shower gels or apply a hydrating body lotion right after toweling off to lock in moisture and keep your skin healthy in the heat.
Get Your Health Covered with Pacific Prime CXA
The scorching heat in Singapore can be challenging, both outdoors and indoors. But by following these tips, you can stay cool, comfortable, and healthy despite the sweltering climate. Remember, staying cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s also crucial for your health and well-being.
While these tips can help you stay cool and comfortable, safeguarding your health with a comprehensive health insurance plan is equally important in Singapore’s challenging climate. At Pacific Prime CXA, we offer that extra layer of protection you need.
With over 20 years of reputation as a world-renowned insurance broker, our team of experts goes the extra mile to ensure you have access to the most comprehensive and cost-efficient global health insurance plans tailored to your unique requirements and budgets.
Contact us today to receive impartial insurance advice or a free plan comparison.
Veerabhatr is a content writer with over 6 years of experience with a particular penchant for storytelling and marketing, both in print and online. He now works with an experienced team of writers at Pacific Prime, aiming to shed light on the essence and benefits of insurance for companies and individuals by creating engaging, informative content across multiple platforms.
After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.
Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
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