How to survive the heat during blackouts and blackouts: explainer

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Summer in Mykolaiv has always been hot, but this year the temperature has already reached +38°C, which exceeds the climatic norm for the last 140 years. The situation is complicated by total blackouts, which literally throw us off track and force us to look for new ways to fight the summer heat without electricity.

We tell you what will help you stay cool both at home and outside.

Reasons for power outages

Russian attacks continue to destroy Ukrainian energy facilities, leading to emergency power outages across the country. After March 22, 2024, Ukraine lost about 9 GW of capacity, while in the summer of 2021 the entire country consumed 15 GW. In May, «Ukrenergo» began to limit energy supply to industry, and from May 14 — to household consumers. This has forced consumers to use electricity sparingly, especially during the peak hours of 7:00am to 11:00am and 6:00pm to 11:00pm when the heat is at its worst.

Blackout conditions force Mykolaiv residents to look for alternatives to traditional methods of cooling. Air conditioners and fans, which are usually the main means of beating the heat, are significantly limited in use due to energy constraints. It is important to remember that large air conditioners can consume a significant amount of electricity — up to 1 kWh per hour.

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Meteorologists predict up to +39 degrees Celsius in Mykolaiv and the region this week

Hot weather is expected in the Mykolaiv region from July 3 to 4, with an air temperature of 33 to 39 degrees Celsius. This was reported by a representative of the Mykolaiv Ukrhydrometeorological center in a comment for NikVesti.

According to her, the maximum temperature in Mykolaiv will reach 37 degrees, which may break previous weather records. In particular, last year the maximum values were observed on July 5-7, and similar weather is repeated this year.

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«From July 3 to 4, we forecast 33-38 degrees in the region, around 37 degrees in the city. Our temperature records were at the level of about 36 degrees, it is quite possible that we will continue to break records. From July 4, we expect a cold front, but it will not be pronounced in the Mykolaiv region, it will be more pronounced in the west of the country. Thunderstorms and showers are expected in central areas, Vinnytsia region. We expect light, short-term rains in places in the region, and then there will be a slight decrease in temperature by 3-4 degrees. Now it is 33-38 degrees, then we will wait for 29-34 degrees (after July 4-6, — note). Then the temperature will rise again,» meteorologists said.

Who can be more affected by the heat?

In urban conditions, the heat is more difficult to bear due to heating of asphalt and walls of buildings to high temperatures. Under the sun's rays, a significant amount of thermal energy is emitted from each square meter of the surface, which creates the effect of a sauna.

The heat is a serious stress for adults and is especially difficult for children who have not yet adapted to such conditions. It also negatively affects physically active people who work outside or in a heated room without air conditioning, as well as those who do street work.

The elderly, people with heart problems and people with high blood pressure are especially vulnerable. Often, such individuals seek cooling off near water bodies, which can lead to accidents.

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Do air conditioners really use a lot of electricity?

Due to the heat, people are increasingly turning on air conditioners to cool down. But it is important to know that these devices consume a lot of energy.

Oleksandr Kharchenko, director of the Energy Research Center, previously reported in an interview that the growth of energy consumption in Ukraine is more influenced by large air conditioners used by businesses than by individual consumers.

«Here we are talking not so much about individual air conditioners, but about air conditioners for public use. Of course, individual air conditioners also add weight, but there are a very large number of businesses that actively use cooling during the heat. And some of them definitely cannot refuse this cooling,» he reported.

According to Yasno, a modern air conditioner designed to cool 30 square meters. m of premises, consumes 1 kWh of electricity on average. The higher the temperature, the more electricity is consumed. If we compare a fan and an air conditioner, then the power of the first is 50 W, and the air conditioner is 550 W.

For individual use during blackouts, fans and mini-fans with low power consumption come to the fore. For example, a desktop fan can only use 15-50W, allowing them to run longer when connected to portable charging stations or laptops via USB.

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How to keep cool at home?

A simple and effective way to reduce the temperature in the room is to use frozen water bottles in front of the fan. This can lower the temperature by 3-4 degrees, creating more comfortable conditions for staying.

Close curtains and blinds in the morning and afternoon to keep sunlight and heat out of the room. Use thick curtains or aluminum foil on windows to reflect the sun's rays.

Open the windows at night. At night, when the temperature drops, open the windows to let in cool air. Create drafts by opening windows on opposite sides of the room.

Wet towels. Apply wet towels or napkins to the forehead, neck, wrists and other parts of the body for cooling. Hang wet towels near windows or doors. Evaporation of water will help lower the air temperature.

Light clothes. Wear light, light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Avoid synthetic materials that do not allow the skin to breathe.

Avoid heat sources. Cook food early in the morning or in the evening when the temperature is cooler.

A frame with water spray in the center of Mykolaiv, archival photo of NikVesti

How to escape from the heat outside?

Stay in the shade. Look for shade in parks, under trees or near buildings. Use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

Hydration Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Carry a water bottle with you. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.

Moisturizing wipes. Carry wet wipes or a small bottle of water with you to hydrate your skin. Apply them to the forehead, neck and wrists.

Plan activities. Avoid exercising during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plan walks or errands for the morning or evening when the temperature is cooler.

Light clothing and protection from the sun. Wear light, breathable clothing with long sleeves to protect your skin from direct sunlight. Also, don't forget to apply sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF) to your skin.

By keeping these tips in mind, residents can effectively cope with the summer heat even during power outages. Remember about energy-efficient consumption and use of available resources to ensure a comfortable climate at home.