The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on May 21 for a severe heatwave that will affect several states across India. Temperature is expected to exceed 47 degrees Celsius for the next five days.
Different parts of India have been witnessing extreme heat waves for several days. The northern regions of the country are facing sweltering weather conditions, particularly New Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the rise in temperature and heat waves may continue until May 25, 2024.
Heat waves are generally caused by soaring temperatures and may lead to several heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat rashes, heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat cramps, heat syncope, and more. If preventive measures are not taken, the persistent heat-related illnesses may prove to be life-threatening. Heat waves can last for several days and are among the most dangerous natural hazards.
Seven Helpful Tips to Stay Safe from Heat Waves
Let us know some easy and quick tips to stay safe from heat waves and related illnesses.
- Stay Indoors: Heat waves peak in the afternoon, especially between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Therefore, to avoid heat-related illnesses, one should stay indoors during this duration.
- Keep Your House Cool: When we are indoors, it is important to keep the house cool. Use curtains, shutters, or sunshades during the day to avoid the sun, and keep windows open during the night for fresh air. Avoid electric appliances like ovens, dryers, dishwashers, and more because they may increase the temperature inside your house.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is a must. It should be a routine for everyone. One of the best ways to stay safe from heat waves is hydration. Keeping our body hydrated by drinking lots of water and fluids can help fight infections and dehydration. Consuming fruits and vegetables may also help in keeping your body hydrated.
- Healthy Food: Eat fresh, healthy, and light meals during heat waves. This will keep you hydrated and prevent gut problems that are quite common during summer. Avoid consuming stale food; instead, include yogurt, green leafy vegetables, low-protein foods, fresh fruits, and plenty of drinks in your diet to beat the scorching heat.
- Avoid Caffeine: People should avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks during heat waves. All these things cause dehydration, which may trigger heat-related health issues like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and more.
- Appropriate Clothing: During extreme heat waves, people should wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored, and porous cotton clothes. This helps them escape sweat and keeps their bodies calm. They must also wear goggles, hats, and scarves to seek protection from harmful UV rays.
- Avoid Strenuous Exercises: Although staying fit and exercising is good for overall health, people should avoid strenuous workouts during heat waves. Exercising during heat waves will increase your body temperature and lead to excessive dehydration, which may cause heat-related illnesses.
Persistent efforts to take care of our health during the heat wave can help us to stay healthy during the heat wave.
FAQ on Heat Wave
- Can drinking beverages with caffeine helpful during summers or heat wave?
People should avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks during heat waves. All these things cause dehydration, which may trigger heat-related health issues like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and more.
- What kind of clothes are advisable to wear during summers or heat wave?
During extreme heat waves, people should wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored, and porous cotton clothes. This helps them escape sweat and keeps their bodies calm. They must also wear goggles, hats, and scarves to seek protection from harmful UV rays.
- What kind of food should be consumed during summers?
Eat fresh, healthy, and light meals during heat waves. This will keep you hydrated and prevent gut problems that are quite common during summer.
- What food must be avoided during summers?
Avoid consuming stale food; instead, include yogurt, green leafy vegetables, low-protein foods, fresh fruits, and plenty of drinks in your diet to beat the scorching heat.
- Is Strenuous exercise advisable during summers?
Although staying fit and exercising is good for overall health, people should avoid strenuous workouts during heat waves. Exercising during heat waves will increase your body temperature and lead to excessive dehydration, which may cause heat-related illnesses.
