Heat Wave in India: The  India Meteorological Department has warned the Indian states to brace for high temperatures and heat waves in the upcoming months. April is soon going to feel like May and June due to the rising temperatures that will impact the daily lives, and health of the people.  In order to face the challenges of heat waves and high-heat summers, one needs to be prepared to manage the phenomena by first fully understanding what it is and how it’s going to impact us.

What are heat waves?

The World Health Organisation describes heat waves as an atmospheric condition where 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.”

As per IMD, “Heat Waves are a period of unusually high temperatures as compared to what is  normally expected over a region.” 

With yellow and red alerts in the Northern states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, people will soon be struggling with heat waves, which are generally accompanied by high humidity and high wind speed. 

Heat waves' impact on health 

Exposure to extreme heat and high humidity can cause fatal risks to human health. From skin damage to unconsciousness, one should be aware of the many in which heat waves impact health.

Dehydration: Staying outdoors can mean prolonged exposure to sun and high temperatures that can result in loss of water or dehydration in the body. 

Heat exhaustion: With high temperatures it gets difficult for the body to cool down and can lead to heat exhaustion. The signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. 

Heat Stroke: due to the irregularities in the body's internal temperature, a high body temperature (above 40°C) can lead to confusion, rapid pulse, seizure, and loss of consciousness. Without the needed medical aid in quick time, heat stroke can also be fatal.  

Skin Damage: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, and sunlight can cause skin damage due to the UV rays increasing the chance of sunburns and skin cancer. 

How to manage the risk of heat waves?

Managing the risk of heat waves is the ultimate solution to ensure your body and mind are affected in the least manner by the shifting temperatures. Here is a list of measures you should keep in mind to stay well during the heat waves. 

Hydration: Stay hydrated with the help of water, electrolytes like coconut water, natural juice,s and infused water. 

Avoid outdoors in peak hours: Heat waves are generally at their peak from 12 noon to 4 in the evening. Avoid going outdoors during this period.

Maintain cool temperatures: While staying indoors ensure to use air conditioning, fans, coolers, and such devices to maintain a cooler temperature inside. 

Wear weather-appropriate clothing: Wear lightweight, loose-fitted clothing preferably made of natural and breathable fabrics to keep you cool throughout the day.

Summer accessories: Take recourse in summer accessories like sunglasses, hats, umbrellas, and others to protect from the sun's rays. 

Wear SPF: Wear a sweatproof broad spectrum sunscreen with 30+ SPF and keep reapplying it every two hours if you are outside for long hours to protect from sun damage on the skin.  

With the changing climate patterns, caution and prevention are the best cures. Ensuring to follow these simple tips can make summer a little less scorching.