Record-breaking heat, humidity produce
potentially deadly situation on Okinawa
By David Allen, Okinawa
bureau chief
Jason Webb / Special to Stars and
Stripes
Lance Cpl Joshua D. Gomez, a mechanic with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing on Okinawa,
endures the record heat as he changes the oil on a motorhead on CH-46 Sea Knight. |
CAMP FOSTER — On Okinawa, it’s the heat and humidity.
A common phrase on the island these days is, "Hot enough for you?" It sure
is.
In fact, it’s been the hottest month here in more than a century.
Thermometers in Naha, the prefectural capital, topped 96.08 degrees Fahrenheit on Aug.
9, breaking a 103-year-old record of 95.72 degrees, recorded on the southern island of
Ishigaki on Sept. 15, 1899.
Add a daily average humidity of 70 percent, and Okinawa is sweltering.
The humidity was 67 percent on Aug. 9, making that record-breaking heat feel like about
120 degrees. Daily temperatures throughout the month threatened the record.
Get used to it, says Sadaaki Ueichi of the Okinawa Meteorological Observatory.
"The record hot weather is expected to last at least through the end of
September," he says.
"One of the reasons for this year’s hot weather is because of much larger
areas dominated by the Pacific High Pressure Ridge," he says. "The ridge, which
brings high temperatures and humidity to this region, normally is dominant in the Pacific
near Okinawa. But it stretches all the way to Taiwan and the coast of China this
year."
While it wasn’t hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement — it needs to be 155
to 158 degrees Fahrenheit to do that — it has been so hot and humid that black flags
have become common sights on Marine bases here.
"We’ve had the black flag raised every day this month," says Master Sgt.
Norman Fagin, Camp Services Chief for Camp Foster.
The flag, flown in front of the Headquarters and Service Battalion building, warns
Marines and others to find shelter in a cool, air-conditioned office.
A green flag tells them it’s a good day for jogging, with the temperature between
80 and 84 degrees. Heavy exercise, however, should be conducted with caution and under
constant, responsible supervision.
Yellow flags are unfurled when the mercury reaches 85 to 87 degrees, and troops are
directed to suspend vigorous exercise and outdoor classes in the sun. Red flags warn that
the temperature is 88 to 89 degrees and all physical training should be suspended for
troops new to the island.
Anything higher and the black flag flies.
"We usually have it out there by noon," Fagin says. That means all strenuous
outdoor physical activity should be halted.
Fagin is in charge of the work crews that pick up trash along the roadside. He’s
had to alter the work schedule a bit to protect his workers.
"We bought special lightweight coveralls for them to wear and allow them to wear
PT gear if it gets too bad," he said. "We also provide canteens and limit their
activity to 45 minutes of each hour, with frequent rest periods in the shade."
He also has trucks roving the base with ice water.
"And we allow them to take breaks in the air-conditioned cabs of the trucks,"
he said.
High heat and humidity can be a deadly combination. It’s more uncomfortable than
hot, dry weather because the high humidity slows the evaporation of sweat. A temperature
of 90 degrees can feel like 102 when the humidity is about 65 percent. That’s
considered to be the borderline even for people who are physically fit.
A heat index of 105 is considered dangerous, with heat exhaustion and cramps likely.
Anything above 130 — think 95 degrees on a day with 75 percent humidity — is in
the extreme danger zone, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
At that level, heatstroke is common.
"I don’t remember it ever being this hot," said Dave Sloss, safety
officer for U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa. "Especially hot for so long with so many
days without wind. We continue to see a number of heat-related injuries in the emergency
room and clinics, ranging from sunburns to [heatstroke]."
Sloss recommends a few simple steps to beat the heat.
"Do things in the cool of the day and drink plenty of water," he recommends.
"Pay attention to the heat flag conditions and avoid strenuous activities during the
hottest part of the day."
Other recommendations include:
- Wear loosefitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing covering as much skin as
possible.
- Use sunscreen on any skin exposed to the sun and use it often.
- Wear a hat to shade the top of your head.
- Don’t take dietary sports supplements; they increase the effect of heat on the
body.
RELATED STORY:
Okinawa City
doctor offers tips on protecting yourself from the sun
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