Harmattan is
a rusty/dusty dry wind emerging form the Sahara desert.
Harmattan differs from regions especially
in West African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo etc.
In Nigeria it comes at the beginning of the
year or towards the end of the year depending on the climatic change of the ecosystem,
harmattan comes in different form cold in the morning in some regions and hot
in some regions. Causing high degree of dryness not only on humans but animals
and plants (trees), it causes cracks on skin (the lip and feet which are more
at risk) if not controlled well.
During this period people tend to change
the kinds of clothes they put on ,and with this season manufacturers ranging
from clothing industry, and other body agents to prevent and protect the bad
effect of harmattan like the lip and feet balm which can be used by both male
and female.
Harmattan has its own importance which maybe
close to little in the sense that it helps dries wet clothes easily but in as
much as it has its own importance the disadvantages tend to be bigger based on
health wise
EFFECTS
The
harmattan season differs from winter, because it is characterized by cold, dry,
dust-laden wind and also wide fluctuations in the ambient temperatures of the
day and night. Temperatures can easily be as low as 9◦c(48◦f)all day, but
sometimes in the afternoon the temperature can also soar to as high as 30◦c(86
f),while the relative humidity drops under 10%.
The air is particularly dry and desiccating
when the harmattan blows over the region. The harmattan brings desert-like
weather conditions: it lowers the humidity, dissipates cloud cover, prevents
rainfall formation and sometimes creates big clouds of dust which can result in
dust storm or sandstorm. The wind can increase fire risk and cause severe crop
damage. The interaction of the harmattan with monsoon winds can cause
tornadoes.
HARMATTAN HAZE
Many
airlines loses billions of naira every year because of the hazard it cost on air,
diversion of flights and cancellation of so many flight and with this, millions
of naira are lost every year
HEALTH
It is a bad
period for those with allergies and other environmental related illness such as
asthma, constant cough/sneezing, reddish/watery eyes, dryness of the throat and
body (dehydration). To others it is a difficult and a bad time to their health
and skin and while to others it’s just a normal season for them.
CAUTION TO
THOSE WITH HEALTH PROBLEMS
During this period it is advisable for people
suffering from different health problems that can be triggered by harmattan to
seek for their doctor’s directions on how to go about their health during
harmattan
THINGS TO DO DURING THIS SEASON
(HARMATTAN)
Avoid harsh chemicals on the skin (hard
creams and lotions that contains alcohol)
Use mild
body creams, petroleum jelly, body oil and balms regarding ones choice on the
body)
Put on
moderate wears that can cover the body for protection
Take plenty
of water to avoid dehydration
Harmattan is a natural cause and nature
must take it course
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