Heat Wave

Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperature. Usually it is more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season. Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July. The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions adversely affect people living in these regions as they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting in death.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves:

·  Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches to 40°C or more for Plains and to 30°C or more for Hilly regions. In case of heat wave the hot weather conditions last for more than two days.

·  Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are increasing frequently globally due to climate change. India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties.

Health Impacts of Heat Waves: 

The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. The signs and symptoms are as follows:

Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are the intermittent, involuntary spasm of muscles that occur in an individual who is physically active in hot or humid weather. They are often associated with dehydration. Heat cramps usually affect the major stressed muscles in a hot environment. Usually, these are the thigh and leg (quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius), the core muscles (abdominal wall and back), and the arm muscles (biceps, triceps).

Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is a serious medical condition where we can find general muscle weakness and fatigue, sudden excessive sweating, minor confusion, muscle cramping, dizziness, headache, mild temperature elevation.

Heat Stroke: Heat stroke or sunstroke occurs due to sudden overheating of the body as a result of exposure to very high temperatures, or due to prolonged physical exertion at very high temperatures. This is a very common occurrence in India during the summertime. Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat injury which can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The complications can become severe if treatment is delayed. Heat stroke occurs when the body is exposed to extremely high temperatures and the core body temperature increases to 104 °F (40 °C) and above. Dehydration immediately occurs, followed by other symptoms such as exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, headache, disorientation, confusion, loss of consciousness and sometimes even coma. Sometimes it could even result in death.

What to do and what not to do at the time of heat wave:

To minimise the impact during the heat wave and to prevent serious ailment or death because of heat stroke, you can take the following measures:

·   Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m.

·   Drink sufficient water and as often as possible, even if not thirsty

·  While travelling, carry water with you.

·  Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrates the body.

·  Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food.

·  If you work outside, use a hat or an umbrella and also use a damp cloth on your head, neck, face and limbs

·  Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles

·  If you feel faint or ill, see a doctor immediately.

·  Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, lemon water, buttermilk, etc. which helps to re-hydrate the body.

·  Keep animals in shade and give them plenty of water to drink.

·  Keep your home cool, use curtains, shutters or sunshade and open windows at night.

·  Use fans, damp clothing and take bath in cold water frequently.

·  Loosen clothes for better ventilation