Temp crosses 41C, surge in heat-related cases at hosps

Prayagraj: Although it's just the first week of April, locals are already witnessing the intense summer heat. With the maximum temperature crossing the 40-degree mark, even the nights are failing to provide any relief as the minimum has crossed 20 degrees. On Monday, the Sangam city recorded a maximum temperature of 41.8 degrees, which was 0.4 degrees more than that of Sunday (the max was 41.4). Likewise, the minimum temperature was recorded at 20.1 degrees, which was 0.6 degrees more than that of Sunday (min was 19.6 degrees).
The temperature in the past week is rising rapidly. The maximum temperature on the last day of last month was 39.5 degrees, but the minimum was a bit cooler at 15.7 degrees. Thereafter, although the maximum remained somewhat constant, the minimum temperature kept rising, with a steady rise of five degrees in the past week. Finally, on Sunday and Monday, while the max remained over 41 degrees, the min crossed 20 degrees. Likewise, the low relative humidity (RH) is also adding to the dry weather conditions, as the maximum RH on Monday was 45% while the minimum was 29%.
Because of the extreme heat, people are trying their best to remain indoors as much as possible. The markets, parks, and malls are all witnessing thin attendance. Likewise, the roads of the city too are having a deserted look during noon, returning to normal only after sunset. Although the hot conditions are posing problems to all age groups, children have become more vulnerable. This could be gauged by the fact that the paediatric OPD is witnessing a heavy rush of patients, be it the govt or private hospitals of the city. On average, doctors at the Children Hospital of the city are attending to 350-400 patients per day. The wards are running at full capacity.
Weather experts suggest that similar conditions would prevail for the next 48 to 72 hours, following which strong winds and sporadic rainfall will bring down the mercury.