Heatwave Alert: As the sweltering heat continues to be unbearable, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a severe heatwave for several states in North India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, where temperatures exceeded 45 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
According to the latest bulletin of IMD, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue in these states until May 25. Meanwhile, states like Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh will also face heatwave conditions during this period, with Maharashtra experiencing similar conditions until May 24.
Moreover, a red alert has been issued in Rajasthan for the next five days. According to IMD, the maximum temperature is likely to inch further up from 45 degrees Celsius and settle at 47 degrees Celsius.
The blistering heatwave across India is affecting the health and livelihoods. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), population exposure to heat is increasing due to climate change.
“Exposure to excessive heat has wide-ranging physiological impacts for all humans, often amplifying existing conditions and resulting in premature death and disability.
The negative health impacts of heat are predictable and largely preventable with specific public health actions. WHO has issued public health guidance for the general public and medical professionals on coping with extreme heat,” WHO maintains.
Heatwave Alert: Who is most affected?
Although the heatwave can affect anyone, some populations are more exposed to the adverse effects of excess heat. According to WHO, these include the elderly, infants and children, pregnant women, outdoor and manual workers, athletes, and the poor.
Heatwave Alert: How does extreme heat affect you?
A 2021 study published in The Lancet Journal revealed that temperatures above long-term averages during summer months and discrete heat extremes like heatwaves are associated with excess mortality.
“In addition to mortality, hot weather and heat extremes are associated with increased emergency room visits and hospital admittance increased deaths from cardiorespiratory and other diseases, mental health issues, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, and increased health-care costs,” the study found.
According to the WHO, heat conditions can alter human behavior, the transmission of diseases, health service delivery, air quality, and critical social infrastructure such as energy, transport, and water.
Heatwave Alert: How to protect yourself from effects of extreme heat?
- Keep your home cool
- Keep out of the heat
- Keep the body cool and hydrated
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothes of natural materials
- Cut down on exercise during the heat
- Wear sunscreen
- Avoid hot and heavy meals
