As mercury keeps climbing in Delhi-NCR, one must guard against assorted ailments
The summer heat has set in quite early this year, with the Capital recording another day of unrelenting heat along with this season’s highest maximum temperature of 41.6 degrees Celsius and a severe heat wave on Friday, when all weather stations in the Capital recorded maximum temperatures above 40 degrees (the mercury was at the highest at the Pitampura observatory at 43.4 degrees Celsius). The temperature at most places in Delhi was at least seven degrees above normal. Parts of Delhi-NCR have been witnessing a heat wave spell since March 29. India recorded its warmest March in 122 years this year with a severe heat wave scorching large swathes across the country. Currently, the winds are moderate in nature, which is taking the real pinch of heat away and somewhat blunting its intensity. Now, the wind speed is expected to slow down due to a dry cyclonic circulation over the region, which will increase the heat quotient further. There is warning of a severe heat wave in the Capital on Saturday, too, though cloudy conditions may bring some relief from the stifling heat Tuesday onwards.
While there’s no way to influence weather gods for favourable climatic conditions, a critical point remains to take care of ourselves and other living organisms in these hot, humid and sultry conditions. Experts say heat wave is a condition of air temperature which may turn fatal for humans when exposed over a long period. Health impacts of a heat wave typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, diarrhoea and vomiting, among others. A Swedish study has even warned of a possible spike in hospitalisations due to hyponatremia, a dangerous low-salt condition linked to climate change. Therefore, it becomes imperative for one to protect her/himself by having adequate hydration with salt and water like nimbu pani, coconut water, juices or salted aerated drinks. Besides wearing light-coloured clothes, avoiding direct exposure to sun, avoiding alcohol and carbonated drinks which may worsen the dehydration, one must take precautions and take frequent breaks between a hard and long work schedule. Last but not the least, do remember to water your plants more frequently and, as much as possible, keep replenishing the supply of cold water outside your home for poor birds and stray animals. Remember, they may not be able to complain, but they are equally prone to heat strokes!