Blazing sun since morning, no rest even at night… Why is North India baking?
This time the heat of May seems to be troubling people more. From eight or nine in the morning the sun becomes so strong that it becomes difficult to go out. By noon the streets are deserted and the heat lingers in the air even after dusk. The biggest problem is that now even the nights are not providing any relief. Whether the fan or the cooler is running, people are still feeling uneasy.
Now the Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and many surrounding areas. The situation may become more difficult for the next five days. Temperatures are expected to reach 45 to 46 degrees Celsius at many places. Meteorologists say that not only the scorching sun, but also the hot winds and continuously increasing temperature can affect people’s health.
The afternoon time has become very difficult in Delhi for the last few days. Even walking for a few minutes on the road has started to feel difficult. People going to office are trying to leave early in the morning, while many people are avoiding going out of the house unless there is urgent work. Even in the markets, the crowd is seen to be less during the afternoon.
Heat is making people miserable in many districts of Uttar Pradesh also. Hot winds, especially in the western and Bundelkhand regions, have exacerbated their discomfort. In many areas, people are forced to keep their doors and windows closed during the afternoon. Farmers and labourers working in the fields in villages are facing the most problems.
The situation in Punjab and Haryana is also no different. In many cities, the roads are seen almost empty during the afternoon. People are trying to complete important work early in the morning or after sunset. The Meteorological Department says that the temperature may rise further in the coming days, due to which the effect of heat wave may be felt more severe.
What could be the situation in the next 5 days, which states are more at risk?
According to the Meteorological Department, the next five days may be challenging for North India. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist in many parts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. This doesn’t just mean extreme heat, but hot winds that can tire the body quickly and even make it sick.
The maximum temperature in Delhi-NCR may remain around 45 degrees. Weather experts say that when hot winds blow continuously and the night temperature does not decrease, the body is unable to get rest. This is the reason why people start feeling tired as soon as they wake up in the morning.
The situation does not seem easy in Uttar Pradesh also. The mercury may rise significantly in Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Prayagraj and surrounding areas. The heat in the Bundelkhand region is considered more difficult than before. People working in the open here have been asked to take special precautions.
People associated with farming in Punjab and Haryana are also worried. The intense sunlight and rising temperatures can affect not only people’s health but also agriculture. It becomes difficult to work in the fields during the day, which affects daily work.
Meteorologists say that there is not much possibility of rain at present. This means that there is little hope of getting relief from the heat in the next few days. Light dust storms may occur at some places, but it is unlikely to make much difference.
Another matter of concern is that this time not only the day temperature is increasing, but the nights are also remaining hotter than normal. Earlier, people used to feel some relief after evening, but now the situation of hot air and humidity persists even at night. Doctors say that continuous hot nights make the body more tired, especially for the elderly and children, it can cause more problems.
Underestimating the heat can be dangerous, what are the doctors advising?
Doctors are continuously warning about heat that it should not be ignored by considering it just a weather problem. Staying in the sun for too long can cause dehydration in the body and this sometimes becomes a big problem. Initially, one may feel only weakness, headache or dizziness, but if not taken care of, the condition can become serious.
Doctors advise that you should not be careless in drinking water these days. Many people drink water only when they feel thirsty, but doing so in summer is not considered right. It is important to keep the body hydrated constantly. Lemon water, buttermilk, lassi, coconut water or plain water are considered best at home.
There is a need to take special care of children and the elderly. Small children often spend a lot of time playing in the sun, while the elderly get easily bothered by the heat. People who already have blood pressure, sugar or heart disease have been asked to be more careful.
The time from 12 noon to 4 pm is considered to be the most risky. Unless absolutely necessary, one should avoid going out during this time. If you have to go out, cover your head, wear light and cotton clothes and carry water with you.
Many people drink very cold things or cold drinks to get relief from the heat, but doctors say that just drinking cold drinks is not enough. The body actually needs water and electrolytes, hence homemade drinks are considered more beneficial.
If a person feels dizzy, extremely weak, has trouble breathing or feels like fainting, then one should not make the mistake of considering it as normal heat. This could be a sign of heat stroke and in such a situation it is important to consult a doctor immediately.
At present, the weather department’s warning is clear – the next five days are not going to be easy. In such a situation, caution is considered the biggest protection. It will be very important to avoid these three things in the coming days: strong sunlight, carelessness and lack of water in the body.
