AdvertisementA moderate heat wave is when the maximum temperature is around 43-45 degrees Celsius and any rise above that is called a severe heat wave.
High body temperature, a throbbing pulse, heat rashes and exhaustion are some of the signs of a heat stroke.
If not treated on time, a heat stroke can be fatal, experts say.
AdvertisementThe state government has issued guidelines to all hospitals to report every case of heat stroke in the state.
“Pune might not be experiencing a heat wave, but chances of a heat stroke or heat-related illnesses continue to be high in the city.
Over the last few weeks, Pune’s temperature has been hovering around 39-40 degrees Celsius which although high, is not unusual. However, prolonged exposure to sun can be dangerous at a time when the India Meteorological Department (IMD) says Pune is witnessing “hot and humid” conditions.
Even as the moisture content in the air increases, chances of dehydration continue to be high, which if not taken care of, can be fatal, say experts.
Anupam Kashyapi, former head of weather forecasting at the IMD, explained that a heat wave is a condition when the maximum temperature is 5-7 degrees Celsius above the 40 degrees Celsius-mark.
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A moderate heat wave is when the maximum temperature is around 43-45 degrees Celsius and any rise above that is called a severe heat wave. The present maximum temperature in Pune is around 1.5-2 degrees Celsius above normal.
Pune might technically not be experiencing a heat wave-like situation but what makes it peculiar is the hot and humid condition. “This happens when humidity is coupled with high temperature, like what is happening in Pune right now,” Kashyapi said.
Moisture bearing winds from the Arabian Sea are wafting into Maharashtra and Pune via Gujarat which has made the city experience the present unpleasant and stifling sensation, he added.
Heat stroke or heat-related illnesses happen when the body starts to lose moisture fast and is not replenished. High body temperature, a throbbing pulse, heat rashes and exhaustion are some of the signs of a heat stroke. If not treated on time, a heat stroke can be fatal, experts say.
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The state government has issued guidelines to all hospitals to report every case of heat stroke in the state.
“Pune might not be experiencing a heat wave, but chances of a heat stroke or heat-related illnesses continue to be high in the city. This is mainly because of quick evaporation of moisture from the body and if not rehydrated, it may cause severe illness,” said a state government doctor.
Since Pune is experiencing humidity in the air, chances of people not realising that they are dehydrated can’t be ruled out. Kashyapi said that frequent hydration and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 11 am and 4 pm, can help people avoid any ill effects of the heat.
Measures to avoid heat stroke:
1) Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm
2) Cover yourself well in case it is unavoidable
3) Ensure frequent hydration
4) Avoid spicy and oily food
