Heatwave in India: The intense heat has made the day-to-day lives of people unbearable across India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a severe heatwave will continue in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh till May 26.
On Wednesday, the mercury surged to 48 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan’s Barmer, the highest temperature recorded so far this year. Meanwhile, a severe heatwave will prevail in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh from Friday to April 26.
According to doctors and health experts, exposure to environmental temperatures above 45°C (113°F) can have serious and potentially life-threatening effects on the human body.
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According to Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, here are five significant impacts of extreme heat:
- Heat Exhaustion: A milder form of heat-related illness, heat exhaustion, can occur with prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. If not addressed, it can progress to heat stroke.
- Heat Stroke: At such high temperatures, our body is not able to regulate its internal temperature leading to heat stroke. Symptoms include a high body temperature (above 40°C or 104°F), confusion, loss of consciousness, and sometimes seizures. Without immediate medical intervention, heat stroke can be fatal.
- Dehydration: The body loses fluids rapidly through sweating in an attempt to cool down, leading to severe dehydration. This can cause symptoms like extreme thirst, dry mouth, reduced urine output, and in severe cases, confusion, dizziness, and fainting.
- Skin Damage: High temperatures, especially when combined with strong sunlight, can cause severe skin damage, including sunburn Prolonged exposure can also increase the risk of skin cancer over time due to UV radiation.
Heatwave in India: How to protect yourself from extreme heat?
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from materials, such as cotton, so sweat can evaporate.
- Drink lots of liquids to replace the fluids you lose from sweating. Do not wait until you feel like you need a drink.
- Do not stay in or leave anyone in closed, parked cars during hot weather, especially children or pets.
- Do not exercise vigorously during the hottest times of the day.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages or beverages with caffeine.
- Use air conditioning or a fan, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, and keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp sponge and by taking cool showers.
