With up to 80 hot-spell days forecast this year – nearly triple the historical average – the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is urging students to take precautions against the heat as they return to school.

In a message shared on its Facebook page, the GPHC encouraged students to drink water regularly, use sunscreen, wear hats or caps and seek shade when possible.

The advice comes as Guyana enters a hotter, drier period expected to continue from August through at least October 2026, which Hydromet has attributed to strengthening El Niño conditions.

The GPHC also urged students to pay attention to how they feel in the heat. Those who become sick, weak, dizzy or unusually hot should stop what they are doing, move somewhere cool, drink water and inform a teacher immediately.

The hospital said the message was aimed at helping students manage heat exposure while travelling to and from school and during outdoor activities.