People don't keep heaters in their homes. One rainy day, Alexis said to me, "Yo tengo frío"— "I'm cold." It was 80 degrees, so I couldn't help but chuckle and wonder how he would feel at that moment in New York.
The hot, wet climate of the tropics isn't always pleasant for people. It's also an effective host for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying bugs. It's very important to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes here, because they can transmit illnesses through their bites.
The near-constant rain of the wet season can create its own challenges. The city has to be built to withstand months of downpours, with large storm drains and strong house foundations. If houses built on hills aren't built correctly, they could be swept away in a mudslide.
In the city, pest control has been a big factor in reducing disease transmission. Most of the mosquitoes in Panama City have been eradicated, so people rarely get bitten. In more rural areas where the bugs are still present, people can wear bug spray and long clothing to avoid getting sick from mosquito bites.
To Panamanians, the heat and humidity experienced in their local climate is normal. Most people have fans in their homes to help beat the heat, and they can also visit one of the large indoor malls to cool off in the air conditioning. Here on B.C.I. we also have air conditioners and dehumidifiers, which not only help international visitors adjust to the climate, but keep scientific equipment and electronics protected from damage. Our field equipment needs a place to dry properly after being out in 80% humidity.
