Heatwave alert: Health tips to stay safe during rising temperatures this summer – The Times of India
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heatwave warning for the region, Thane civic authorities have stepped up efforts to ensure public safety. They have released detailed advisories outlining essential preventive measures, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours, wearing light and taking necessary precautions for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE
Civic health advisory:
- Stay hydrated. Take water, lime juice, buttermilk with the right amount of salt and seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid drinking tea, coffee, alcohol, sugary drinks and high-protein diets.
- Wear loose, cotton, and light-coloured clothes and use a hat or umbrella.
- Children, the elderly, pregnant women, outdoor workers, mentally ill individuals, and physically ill people are vulnerable.
- Watch out for symptoms such as rashes, swelling of limbs, muscle cramps, fever, yellowish urine, weakness and fainting.
12-3 pm-One of MMR’s municipal corporations has advised people to avoid stepping out of home or office in this duration.
SUSPECTED HEAT STROKE CASES
From March 1 to July 31, 2024, a total of 2,074 cases were reported nationwide.
According to a report by the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health 2024, six states piloted patient-level data collection on the Integrated Health Information Platform.
May 2023: 12 died due to heat stroke while attending Maharashtra Bhushan award ceremony held in Kharghar.
All of 2024:
- 48,156 suspected heatstroke cases reported in India.
- 161 confirmed heatstroke deaths reported.
WHO’S DEFINITION
Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least: 40°C or more for plains and 30°C or more for hilly regions.
IMD predicts hot and humid weather in Thane on February 28
The IMD weather forecast predicts hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets of Thane, while the rest of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including Mumbai, Palghar, and Raigad, is expected to remain dry on February 28. The bureau had already issued a heatwave warning for the city for February 26-27.
Looking ahead, temperatures on March 1 are expected to reach a maximum of 36 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 21 degrees Celsius.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heatwave warning even before the official onset of summer in March, experts believe Mumbai is experiencing extreme heat earlier than usual this year.
