A woman covers her head to protect herself from the sun, in Mumbai. (Express Photo: Narendra Vaskar)Since the beginning of March there have been at least 26 heatwave days, and as many as four spells of heatwaves in a little over a month and a half. The last of these heat waves remains ongoing.
When does India declare a heatwave?
According to the Health Ministry, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for plains, 37°C or more for coastal stations, and at least 30°C or more for hilly regions.
Based on departure from normal temperatures, the following criteria are used to declare a heatwave:
Heatwave: Departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C
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Severe Heatwave: Departure from normal is >6.4°C
And, based on actual maximum temperature in plains, the following criteria is considered:
Heatwave: When the actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C
Severe Heatwave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47°C
What can you do to protect yourself?
The Health Ministry recommends a list of measures you can take to stay safe in this period
Dos:
- Stay indoors and in shaded places.
- Use an umbrella/hat/cap/towel when outside.
- Wear thin loose cotton, light-coloured garments.
- Drink water and salted drinks (lassi, lemon water, fruit juices, ORS) frequently. Eat fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, lemon, orange etc.
- Take frequent cool baths and reduce room temperature. Use window shades/curtains, fan, cooler, air-conditioner, cross-ventilate room, sprinkle water, keep indoor plants etc.
If a person feels unwell — especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and outdoor workers — they should immediately shift to a cooler place, put on minimum clothing, be sponged with cold water and be transported to the nearest health facility.
Don’ts:
- Going out in the sun, especially between noon and 3 pm
- Doing strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon.
- Drinking alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks
- Leaving children or pets in parked vehicles.
- Wearing dark-coloured, synthetic and tight clothing.
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