Dealing with Harmattan’s Temperature Swings

We're already around the later part of the year ago, and around this time of the year, one thing that's notable for when it comes to weather is the harmattan season. This is a weather condition that changes depending on the time of the day, although one notable thing about it is the dryness that comes with it and how that can affect the skin or any injury had at such points in time. Today I'll be writing briefly about the current weather, some of its downsides, and how to sail through.

Around the months of November, December, January, and some lady of February is when this weather called harmattan thrives here in Nigeria. One of the evidences of us entering this time of the year is how fog covers the whole place till as early as 8am sometimes, which early occurs in other times of the year. During harmattan, the weather is usually very cold in the morning, and with the fog outside, you might be fooled that it's not morning yet, unknown that time is already far spent.

One way I personally manage to stay on time and be punctual to work is setting alarms, because if I happen to judge by looking out of the window to determine if I'm due to get up, then I might end up missing it. Also, given the nature of the weather and the fog that are always out at such an hour or the day, it's always advisable for vehicles to put on their headlights in the morning so as to avoid getting involved in an accident, because several accidents have happened due to this.

Also, the harmattan season affects the body and makes one have pale and dry skin during such moments. If you get a cut or injured, it usually takes time to heal and could even expand if such isn't well taken care of. I remember suffering that fate when I was much younger, and till date, the scar I suffered from that injury is still evident on my skin, so the pro tip I'm sharing is, if possible, don't get injured, and if you do, manage it well enough.

Also, while the morning period is usually very cold, the same can't be said for the afternoon, because by then the sun will be fully out and scorching hot. It's annoying dealing with such weather. I mean, how can it be cold in the morning and then the opposite in the afternoon? It's just strange, and that's coupled with how the weather is; additionally, people always have difficulty breathing during this period as well.

Although, via my experience through the years, I've come to realize that this weather varies depending on where you're, like it's not as harsh as it's in other places. Take, for instance, living in the city; you'll most likely experience it, but not so harsh, but living in the rural areas with fewer struggles, it's more harsh, be it the cold or warm weather; it's just more excessive there than it's in the city.

Coping with this weather for me is a two-way thing; in the morning I've got an extra jacket on to not get too affected by the cold, and in the afternoon, I just put off the jacket and move around with the lighter shirt I've got under it; that way I'm prepared for whatever side of the weather.

All photos are mine.