Heatwave Alert: Essential Dos And Don’ts To Stay Safe As India Faces Extreme Temperatures

India Sizzles Under Brutal Heatwave As 97 Of World's 100 Hottest Cities Record Extreme Temperatures A severe heatwave has tightened its grip across large parts of India, pushing temperatures to dangerous levels and turning the country into the global hotspot for extreme weather.

According to temperature data released on Friday, almost all of the world's hottest cities were located in India, with several regions recording temperatures close to 48 degrees Celsius even before afternoon hours.

Dos And Don'ts In The Heatwave:

As India faces one of the harshest summers in recent years, with temperatures crossing 45°C in many cities, health experts are warning people to take extra precautions. Heatwaves can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even life-threatening heatstroke if proper care is not taken.

Here is a detailed guide on what people should do - and avoid - during extreme heat conditions.

Why Heatwaves Are Dangerous

A heatwave is not just uncomfortable weather. Extremely high temperatures can affect the body's ability to cool itself. When the body overheats, it can cause:

• Severe dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Heatstroke
• Low blood pressure
• Fainting
• Organ damage in serious cases

Children, senior citizens, pregnant women, outdoor workers and people with heart disease, diabetes or breathing problems are at higher risk.

Dos During A Heatwave

1. Drink Plenty Of Water

Even if you do not feel thirsty, keep drinking water regularly throughout the day.
Best fluids during heat:

• Pppens quickly in extreme heat because the body loses fluids through sweat.

2. Wear Light And Loose Clothes

• Choose:
• Light-coloured cotton clothes
• Loose-fitting outfits
• Breathable fabrics
• Cotton helps sweat evaporate and keeps the body cooler.

3. Stay Indoors During Peak Heat Hours

Avoid going outside between:

• 11 AM and 4 PM
• This is usually the hottest part of the day when the risk of heatstroke is highest.
• If stepping outside is necessary:
• Use an umbrella or cap
• Wear sunglasses
• Cover your head with a cloth or scarf

4. Eat Light And Hydrating Foods

Eat foods that contain high water content.
Recommended foods:

• Watermelon
• Cucumber
• Muskmelon
• Oranges
• Curd
• Salad
• Light home-cooked meals

Heavy oily foods can increase body heat and make digestion difficult.

5. Keep Your Home Cool

• Use curtains to block direct sunlight
• Keep rooms ventilated
• Use fans or coolers properly
• Take cool showers when feeling overheated
• If possible, stay in shaded or air-conditioned places during extreme heat.

6. Watch For Heatstroke Symptoms

Seek immediate medical help if someone experiences:

• High body temperature
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fainting
• Seizures

These are signs of possible heatstroke, which can become fatal if untreated.

7. Take Care Of Vulnerable People

Check regularly on:

• Elderly family members
• Infants and children
• Pregnant women
• People living alone
• Outdoor workers
• Ensure they are drinking enough water and staying cool.

8. Keep Pets And Animals Safe

• Animals also suffer during heatwaves.
• Provide clean drinking water
• Keep pets indoors or in shaded areas
• Avoid walking pets on hot roads during afternoon hours

Don'ts During A Heatwave

1. Do Not Stay In Direct Sunlight For Long

Long exposure to the sun can rapidly raise body temperature and lead to heatstroke.
Avoid:

• Standing in open areas
• Long walks in the afternoon
• Outdoor exercise during peak heat

2. Do Not Ignore Dehydration Signs

Common warning signs:

• Dry mouth
• Weakness
• Headache
• Dark yellow urine

Excessive sweating or no sweating at all
Ignoring these symptoms can make the condition worse quickly.

3. Avoid Alcohol, Tea And Too Much Coffee

These drinks can increase dehydration because they cause the body to lose more fluids.
Instead, focus on water-rich and cooling drinks.

4. Do Not Leave Children Or Pets Inside Parked Vehicles

Cars heat up very quickly during summer.
Even a few minutes inside a closed vehicle can become deadly due to extreme temperatures.

5. Avoid Heavy Physical Activity

Do not:

• Exercise outdoors in afternoon heat
• Work continuously without breaks
• Lift heavy loads under direct sunlight
• Outdoor workers should rest frequently and hydrate regularly.

6. Do Not Eat Stale Or Street Food In Extreme Heat

High temperatures increase the risk of food spoilage and food poisoning.

Avoid:

• Cut fruits left outside
• Uncovered street food
• Food stored improperly

7. Do Not Wear Dark Or Tight Clothing

Dark colours absorb more heat, while tight clothing traps sweat and heat against the body.

Important Emergency Tips

• If someone collapses due to heat:
• Move them to a cool place immediately
• Give water only if they are conscious
• Loosen tight clothes
• Apply cool wet cloths on the body
• Call medical help urgently

Government Heatwave Advisory

Authorities and weather agencies are advising people to:
Stay hydrated

• Avoid unnecessary travel during afternoons
• Follow local weather warnings
• Reduce outdoor activities during heat alerts

With temperatures expected to remain dangerously high in several parts of India, following basic heat safety measures can help prevent serious illness and save lives.