Heatwaves & Healthy Living: Keeping Cool in Warming Weather
Whether you live near the sea, in the hills, or on the plains, across India’s vast geography, there is one thing we can unanimously agree upon, it’s getting HOT!
A quick look at the climatic conditions of the last couple of years reveals some interesting facts about heat and global temperatures. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2022 was among the hottest years on record. Then, a year later in 2023, the World Meteorology Organisation labelled it as the hottest year experienced in recorded human history peaking in mid-April. 2024 raised the mercurial bar further.
“First month of 2024, hottest January on record” – FoxWeather
“Why February 2024 was the 9th consecutive hottest month on record” – Forbes
“March 2024 warmest ever” – The Indian Express
“April 2024 scorching hot” – Independent
With heatwaves impacting people all across the world, not just the country, it is important to understand what a heatwave is. Heatwaves are extreme hot climatic conditions that last longer than usual. To declare a heatwave, the Indian Meteorological Department’s basic criteria is,
If the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40*C or more for plains and at least 30*C or more for Hilly regions.
a) Based on Departure from Normal
Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.5*C to 6.4*C
Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.4*C
b) Based on Actual Maximum Temperature
Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45*C
Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47*C
Suppose the above criteria are met at least in 2 stations in a Meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days. In that case, it is considered a heatwave and declared on the second day.
Heatwaves have a detrimental effect on human health. One of the primary direct health consequences of heatwaves is heatstrokes. A heatstroke is the severe dehydration of the body due to extreme heat and humid conditions that can be fatal. The body loses water rapidly and the sweating mechanism, which is the body’s natural way of cooling itself, fails due to humid conditions. Due to this, the body temperature may rise to 41*C which is 4*C higher than the normal temperature. It is important to take measures to avoid heatstroke and is advisable to know the symptoms of heatstroke so that one can identify and take appropriate steps if it does impact them or those around them.
Heatwaves also severely affect vulnerable and marginalised populations such as outdoor workers, labourers, women, pregnant people, and infants. People who work outside, like farmers and construction workers, are at risk of getting sick from the heat and dehydration, which can lead to long-term health problems like kidney disease. This affects both men and women, albeit differently. For example, extreme heat and stress can conversely affect a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility, leading to an increase in the chances of miscarriage in expectant mothers. For more on how heat impacts the health and wellbeing of women, read - https://www.deccanherald.com/features/gender/boiling-over-how-heat-affects-women-3046301
Here is what you can do to keep cool in the warming weather!
- Stay indoors during severe heatwave conditions.
- Drink plenty of water. To avoid cramps and feeling dizzy in hot climates, remember to stay hydrated at all times.
- ORS (oral rehydration salts) come very handy during the scorching heat. Use electrolytes in your water if you are going out since they replenish your thirst faster and have sodium which mitigates dehydration.
- Wear clothes that cover your body preferably of a lighter color to reflect sunlight.
- Watch out for heat stroke symptoms for yourself and those around you.
For more information on beating the heat and tackling heatstrokes, download our heatwave guide, available in 7 languages, here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16Iivyk2n-yDDAE9jKlcv-CEwqOyPjIh2?usp=drive_link
As temperatures around the globe rise and conditions become unbearable, remember to follow the steps mentioned and take appropriate measures, prioritising and protecting the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases.
Stay hydrated, save water, and let us look after our environment. After all, Earth is the only home we have.
Read more about our work in the domain of climate and health here - https://swasti.org/climate-x-health
Author - Syed Junaid Pasha
