Overheard in the Souk

the grapevine

Motorists on the road during Ramadan would do well to drive defensively to avoid collisions. Non fasting drivers need to be more generous even as the commute for many brings the added challenge of driving alongside those who are more vulnerable to fatigue and decrease in awareness levels on account of dehydration and low blood sugar levels. Tailgating should be avoided at all costs, despite the seemingly compounding traffic and personal hurry. With a little bit of extra planning, we can all avoid the pitfalls of road rage and keep better focus on the road.

We are in May, but the temperature is already at its peak. Normally the summer heat starts in June and temperature becomes gradually high in July around 40 to 45 degrees to the highest peak in August at 50 to 60 degrees.

At this juncture, the heatwave can cause damages to any human being who is exposed to it and the government applies the law that bans people working outdoors during the period when the temperature is at its highest. During this period, all air-conditioning machines must be well put in place in our homes, cars and business places like factories and commercial complexes. Countries and places where no air-conditioning machines are used normally record cases of deaths and suffocations from heat waves.

Scorching heat is inescapable at this time of the month, not to mention we are only at the tail end of May. For commuters like me, who take public transport daily to work, this heat is truly unbearable especially if you can’t even take a sip of water because it isn’t time to break the fast yet.

So buckle up people. Use an umbrella, splash water on your face whenever possible or do the needful just to ease the suffering. Remember June, July and most especially August are notorious for blistering temperatures. The sun has only just begun.