A heatwave is a period of abnormally hot weather generally lasting more than two days. Heatwaves can occur with or without high humidity. They have the potential to cover a large area, exposing a high number of people to hazardous heat. A Heatwave is considered to be happening if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions. 

In India, Heat waves typically occur from March to June, and in some rare cases, even extend till July. On average, five-six heat wave events occur every year over the northern parts of the country. Single events can last weeks, occur consecutively, and can impact large populations. 

Effects of Heat wave: 

Effects of heat waves can sometimes be fatal.  

Heatwaves can cause a lot of stress on the body leading to heatstroke. Here, the body’s cooling down mechanism fails as the body temperature rises rapidly. This can cause permanent disability in the body or in severe cases, lead to death.  

It also causes respiratory problems as very high temperatures can lead to the build-up of harmful air pollutants.  

It can also sometimes lead to asthma, severe wheezing and myocardial infarction.  

It can cause heat hyperthermia, heat-cramps and heat exhaustion too.  

It can also change the behavior of a person who is affected.  

Continuous exposure to heatwaves for a longer duration of time can have an impact on the body’s ability to function, both at the time of exposure and in the long term.  

Symptoms:  

Heat stroke: 

• High body temperature (130-degree F or more) 

• Strong pulse  

• Reddish skin, hot, dry skin 

• Headache, dizziness, nausea 

• Confusion  

• Loss of consciousness 

Heat exhaustion:  

• Heavy sweating 

• Dehydration  

• Cold and pale skin  

• Weak pulse  

• Vomiting  

• Muscle cramps 

• Weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting 

Heat cramps:  

• Heavy during intense workouts 

• Muscle cramps or pain 

Remedies to beat the Heatwave 

• Drink plenty of fluids:  

• Plain water does not help much during heatwaves, as we do not just lose water through sweat; sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium also get lost. Coconut water, buttermilk, lemonade, aampanna, jaljeera water, roohafza drink, fresh fruit and vegetable juice are the best ways to hydrate and restore electrolytes. 

• Infuse water with lemon slices, orange peels, kiwi slices and refrigerate. You can also add berries and mint to give water a natural flavor. 

• Have seasonal fruits to beat the heat 

• Fruits and vegetables are rich in water content. Make sure you consume a good quantity of fruit and vegetables throughout the day. 

• Kokum juice, watermelon slush, beetroot or rice kanji can be consumed to refresh yourself and prevent dehydration. 

• Spices that help beat heat 

• Mint leaves have a cooling effect on our gut, so in every drink [except milk-based ones] add a few crused mint leaves. 

• Have onion salad [add a tsp. of lemon juice and pinch of black salt] with meals as this helps prevent dysentery in summers. 

• Light dinner 

• Avoid fried food and heavy meals at night since they make the body ‘s pH. acidic and increase the chances of dehydration. Light meals like dal roti, khichdi, curd rice, and Bisi Bele bath are easy to digest. These are wholesome foods, light on the stomach and prevent dysentery. 

• Limit caffeine intake 

• Limit your caffeine intake to 200 mg per day as it is a diuretic and it can cause dehydration. Instead of tea and coffee, chilled milk or fruit- shake can be consumed as this helps nourish the body with essential minerals. 

Precautions for heat wave 

Do’s 

• Stay hydrated 

• Block the direct sunlight 

• Stay covered – wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothes 

• Stay updated with the news for weather-related information 

• Use ORS and other home-made drinks like lemon water, buttermilk, lassi, coconut water. 

• Use sunglasses and scarf to protect your head and eyes while going out. 

• Traditional remedies like onion salad and raw mango with salt and cumin can prevent heat stroke 

• If you feel dizzy or ill, see a doctor immediately. 

Don’ts  

• Avoid going out in the sun between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m.  

• Avoid doing strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon.  

• Avoid going out barefoot. 

• Avoid cooking during noon. Open doors and windows for ventilation in the cooking area.  

• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks intake - these dehydrates the body.  

• Avoid high-protein, salty, spicy and oily food. These produces lots of body’s heat.  

• Avoid using incandescent light bulbs which may generate unnecessary heat, as can computers or appliances.  

• Don’t burn dry leaves, agriculture residue and garbage. 

• Do not leave your children or pets alone in parked vehicles. 

References: 

1. https://www.imdagrimet.gov.in/Files/Dos_Donts/Heat_wave_Dos_and_Donts.pdf  

2. https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/pubs/extreme-heat-final_508.pdf 

3. https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-017-0322-5 

4. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/programs/climatechange/health_impacts/heat/index.cfm 

5. https://www.who.int/india/heat-waves 

6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/symptoms-causes/syc-20373250 

7. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/heat-exhaustion 

8. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html