It’s getting hotter by the day; don’t you feel it? You’re not alone! In fact, many people across the country are facing heatwave-related troubles due to soaring temperatures. The Met Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several parts of the country, even as
Delhi recorded its highest temperature to date with the mercury hitting 52.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Now, that’s alarming!
It’s not just Delhi. Even Rajasthan’s Churu district recorded 50.5°C—about 7.5 degrees higher than normal, according to the IMD. Experts say this severe heatwave prevailing over North-West and Central India is likely to persist until the end of the month, gradually reducing in June ahead of the monsoons.
What’s causing this heat? We would typically attribute it to Climate Change, but that’s too simplistic. Let’s delve deeper for a broader understanding.
Heatwaves occur when high pressure in the atmosphere forces hot air downward and traps it near the ground. This high-pressure system acts like a lock that prevents the hot air from rising, causing temperatures to rise further. As the air sinks, it compresses and heats up, leading to extreme heat conditions.
Heatwaves are a period of unusually high temperatures compared to what is normally expected over a region. Therefore, the temperatures at which heatwaves are declared differ from place to place based on the temperature climatology (historical temperatures) of that region. The impact of heatwaves is exacerbated by supportive meteorological factors such as high humidity, high wind speed, and the duration of heatwave events.
Why is this heatwave dangerous? For one, it’s claiming lives! Since March 1, India has reportedly recorded 60 deaths due to heat-related issues—32 people have died due to heatstroke, and 28 from suspected heatstroke. The country has seen 16,344 suspected heatstroke cases this year, with 486 suspected cases on May 22 alone.
Even in its less dangerous form, heat waves can have a significant impact on the human body, leading to illnesses that can be life-threatening if not properly managed.
One of the most common effects of a heat wave on the human body is heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when the body is unable to cool itself down through sweating, leading to symptoms such as excessive sweating, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
How do you protect yourself and your loved ones? For starters, staying hydrated is crucial. Drink water even when it's 50 degrees Celsius outside, regardless of age. Keep drinking water!
Parents with children under the age of six need to pay extra attention to their wards to protect them from the heat.
Dr. Ravi Malik, CMD, Malik Radix Health Care, advises, “Children under the age of 6 years are more prone to dehydration. It is important to keep them hydrated at all times. Apart from water, you can give them Limonite (Shikanji) to maintain electrolyte balance in their bodies. Fruits with high water content like watermelon, muskmelon, and citrus fruits are also good for children. If possible, keep them away from the sun or parts of the house that are hotter, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest. Light-colored clothing is also advisable.” He also advises parents to monitor the urine output of infants and toddlers to gauge hydration levels and ensure replenishment as soon as possible.
Dietician Shikha Sharma suggests avoiding foods that increase internal body temperature during digestion. These include eggs, garlic, both white and red meat, refined flour (corn flour, maida), and fried and spicy foods. “People should try to consume more foods that induce the body to cool down, like tender coconut, coconut water, barley water, rice, pumpkin, and buttermilk,” she says. However, she advises caution and restraint when it comes to mango consumption.
Dr. Sameer Bhati, a public health expert, recommends Lassi and Limonite (
Shikanji), Jaljeera with rock salt as the best ways to stay hydrated. It is important to avoid coffee, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Women in the kitchen also need to be careful and keep themselves hydrated by increasing their fluid intake. It is also advisable to maintain the AC temperature at 24–25 degrees Celsius as it is considered optimal for healthy bodily functions.
When it comes to workouts, experts suggest taking advantage of the cooler parts of the day. So, practicing “Pranayam” and Sheetali Pranayama in the morning between 6 am and 7:30 am can be beneficial. Slightly strenuous workouts can be scheduled for late in the evening, maybe two hours after sunset.
But the safest way to beat the heat: Stay Hydrated, Stay Indoors!
