With Pune recording temperatures above 36 degrees C, and Hyderabad nearing 35 degrees C, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted Mumbai to hit 37 degrees C on February 22. The health experts are raising alarms over the growing risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion among residents of these cities. Vulnerable groups such as newborns, children, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions like diabetes are particularly at risk.
Though February is considered a winter month the unseasonal heat is increasing health risks. What Is A Heatwave?A heatwave is a prolonged period of excessively high temperatures, often accompanied by high humidity, which can cause severe health issues. The IMD classifies a heatwave when temperatures are at least 4.
5 degrees C above the normal average or exceed 40 degrees C in plains and 30 degrees C in hilly areas. Heatwaves can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and even fatalities in worst cases if precautions are not taken. Surge In Heat-Related IllnessesUnseasonably high temperatures in February have led to an early onset of summer in Pune, Hyderabad, and other parts of India, causing an unexpected rise in heat-related illnesses.
Typically observed in the peak summer months of April and May, cases of dehydration and heat exhaustion are already increasing. Doctors in these cities report a growing number of patients experiencing heat-related symptoms such as dizziness, excessive thirst, fatigue, nausea, and headaches. Sym.