Raining Season: 10 ways to cope during Nigeria’s current cold weather

BY – Zinatullah Adekola

Raining season is here and staying warm and healthy is paramount. While this cooler weather provides a temporary break from the heat, it also brings unique challenges.

Here are “10 practical ways to cope with Nigeria’s current cold weather, ensuring you remain comfortable and well-protected during this period”.

• “Dress in Smart Layers” “Go for multiple light layers rather than a single heavy item”. “Trapped air between layers keeps your body warm efficiently and you can easily remove layers if you get warm”.
• “Cover your Head, Hands & Feet” “Heat escapes faster from the head, hands, and feet”. “Always wear a hat, plus gloves (mittens if possible), warm socks and sturdy closed footwear”.
• “Moisturize Skin & Lips Constantly” “Cold dry air dries out skin quickly”. “To avoid that, apply body cream or petroleum jelly e.g Vaseline, regularly especially after bathing and always carry lip balm to prevent chapping”.
• “Stay Hydrated & Drink Warm Beverages” “Staying hydrated by drinking water, hot beverages, Nigerian pepper soup, ginger drinks, herbal tea would help your body warm up from the inside”.
• “Eat Hot, Nutritious Meals” “Hot soups and stews offer warmth and hydration”. “This may include local superfoods or vitaminrich ingredients that boost immunity against cold-related illnesses such as cough, catarrh, flu etc”.
• “Protect Respiratory Health” “Cold, dusty air worsen respiratory issues”. “Wear a nose mask when outdoors, especially near dust or during harmattan gusts, and avoid smoking”.
• “Use Humidifiers or Indoor Moisture” “Dry air aggravates skin, throat, and can trigger nosebleeds”. “Where possible, use a humidifier or place damp towels indoors to boost moisture in the air”.

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• “Stay Physically Active” “Venture into in-home exercises, yoga, or traditional games like Ayo, Sudoku, board games and so on”. “It helps circulate blood and maintain warmth when it’s too chilly to go outside frequently”.
• “Sleep Warm” “Sleep under blankets or duvets to stay warm”. “Elderly, children, or those with joint conditions like sicklecell, arthritis or osteoporosis need extra warmth at night to prevent pain or stiffness”.
• “Monitor Weather Updates and Health Alerts” “Follow Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) advisories, especially as this cool spell may persist into August”.

Stay alert to updates and heed recommendations, especially for vulnerable populations—elderly, children, or individuals with chronic illnesses”.