People would do well to take precautions against heatwave and to stay hydrated always
As a direct consequence of global warming, India reported the warmest February in the past 122 years, with average maximum temperatures 1.73°C above normal and average minimum temperatures 0.81°C above normal, the India Meteorological Department has said. The average maximum temperature touched 29.54°C, it said, warning that during the coming summer, above-normal maximum temperatures and extreme weather conditions were likely to prevail over most parts of northeast India, east, and central India and some parts of
northwest India.
The trend was reflected in Goa too, with Panaji and Mormugao recording the hottest February in the past 54 years with a mean maximum temperature above 35°C. Usually, the maximum temperature in the state in February is around 32.4°C but most days recorded temperatures 3°C-5°C above average. This was the fifth instance since 1989 that Panaji experienced the highest average maximum temperature for the most days, with 10 days recording temperature of 35°C or above. Mormugao witnessed eight days of the hottest weather in the past 50 years. IMD data show that on February 13, the maximum temperature was 37.9°C in Panaji, 5.5°C above normal, making it the warmest month in 24 years. On February 16, the city experienced its second-highest maximum temperature in over a decade at 38.2°C. According to IMD, between 1969 and 2023, the second highest average maximum temperature in February recorded at Panaji was 33.7°C in 2013 and 33.4°C in Mormugao
in 2021.
The rise in temperature being felt in various parts of the country, including Goa, forced the Union health ministry to issue an advisory, listing the dos and don’ts to be followed by the citizens to remain protected against the expected heatwave. As part of a national action plan to tackle heat-related illness, the ministry advised citizens to refrain from consuming high-protein food and from carrying out any cooking activity during the peak summer hours. The people have been advised to drink sufficient water whenever possible, even if they do not feel thirsty. They have also been advised to consume oral rehydration solutions and homemade drinks like lemon water, buttermilk/lassi and fruit juices with added salt. The other major recommendation is not to get out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 p.m., and to stay indoors in well-ventilated and cool places. If they have to necessarily go outside the home, it would be advisable to limit the activity to morning and evening when the heat is comparatively less. This is especially true for the vulnerable population, including infants and young children, pregnant women, people working outdoors, people who are ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, and people coming from cooler weather conditions to a hotter place.
The people may do well to consume fresh fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, lemon, and orange, wear thin and loose-fitting cotton garments, preferably in light colours, cover themselves using umbrellas, hats, caps, towels or traditional headgear when they are exposed to direct sunlight and to not venture out without proper footwear. They should watch out for symptoms of heat stress, which include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, extreme thirst, decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine, and rapid breathing and an increase in heartbeat. The citizens should stay informed about the local weather conditions by listening to broadcasts on the radio, by reading newspapers and by watching television for local news. Alternatively, they can collect information by visiting the IMD website for the latest updates.
In case of any emergency, citizens can seek medical help by calling 108 or 102 immediately if they find someone with high body temperature and if the person is either unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating. Since the temperature inside closed vehicles can be very high, it is advisable to not leave children or pets in parked vehicles. It would be a good idea to block direct sunlight and heat waves by keeping windows and curtains closed during the day, but they can be opened at night to let cooler air circulate inside. By following the above precautions, people can ensure that they do not come to any harm and stay cool during the adverse conditions.