Unseasonably high temperatures in February have resulted in an early onset of summer in Pune , Hyderabad and other parts of India, triggering an early spike in cases of heat -related illnesses that are usually seen in the peak hot months of April and May. Maximum temperatures in Pune continued to soar on Wednesday and are already reaching 32-34°Celsius, which is unusual for Feb. Several areas in Pune recorded highs above 36°C while Lavale and Koregaon Park were the hottest at 37.
2°C and 37°C, respectively. Chinchwad and NDA, also saw temperatures exceeding the 36°C while Shivajinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 36°C. Doctors are reporting an increase in cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration that can affect anyone exposed to high temperatures, leading to significant health risks if not addressed promptly.
It is crucial to understand how heat impacts the body, recognise the early signs of heat exhaustion and take proactive measures to stay hydrated and maintain electrolyte balance. What is heat exhaustion? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Abdul Majid Khan, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at Olive Hospital in Hyderabad, answered, “Heat exhaustion occurs when the body’s ability to cool itself is overwhelmed, typically through excessive sweating. This process results in the loss of fluids and essential electrolytes—minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and calcium, which play vital roles in maintaining bodily functions.
” Accordi.