A heatwave in North India has created a health emergency. The night heat increases the risk of heat stroke and dehydration. Patients with high blood pressure and sugar levels should be cautious. Learn important doctors' advice and essential health tips for prevention.

How to take care of your health in summer?

These days, the entire northern India, including the capital Delhi, is reeling under a severe heatwave. In May, the conditions are as if the sky is raining fire, not sunshine. Summers are typically scorching hot during the day, but the weather cools down after dusk. However, this time the weather is completely different. People in Delhi and northern India are facing a double whammy of heat, as the heat doesn't subside even after sunset. Let's find out from a doctor how dangerous this is for your health.

Temperatures reaching 40 degrees even at night

This year's heat wave has shattered many previous records. The problem isn't just the intense sunshine, but also the "hot nights." Even at night, temperatures in many major cities across North India, including Delhi, are reaching between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. When temperatures don't drop at night, the human body doesn't have time to cool down and recover, increasing the risk of illness exponentially.

According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the heat is wreaking havoc in the mountains as well. Jammu and Kashmir is recording minimum night temperatures 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, night temperatures are also 1.6 to 3 degrees above normal. Due to the concrete jungle, buildings and roads emit the heat absorbed during the day, making nights even more stifling.

Red and yellow alerts have been issued in several states.

In view of the seriousness of the situation, the Meteorological Department has issued strict warnings for many states.

• Red Alert: A "red alert" for a severe heatwave has been issued for Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. This means that the heat in these states has reached life-threatening levels, and people should avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary.
• Yellow Alert: There is a 'Yellow Alert' in hilly states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand as well as many other areas of North India, where the weather usually remains cold.

Dr. Naresh Kumar, a senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), expressed concern over the current situation, stating that there are no signs of a major change in weather patterns at this time. This deadly heat wave, both day and night, is expected to continue for at least the next seven days.

Doctors warn: there is a serious threat to health.

This form of heat is like a medical emergency for health. According to Dr. AK Shukla, HOD of the Internal Medicine Department of Kailash Hospital, Noida , this year's heat has become a big and serious threat to health not only during the day but also at night. When the body temperature does not return to normal at night, the risk of dehydration and heat stroke increases. Doctors have especially advised those who are already suffering from any disease to be more careful. If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes (sugar), or any heart-related disease, then this weather is very dangerous for you.

How to protect yourself and your family from a heatwave?

There's no hope of relief for the next week, so prevention is the best medicine. Health experts have suggested some simple but crucial measures.

• Hydration is crucial: Even if you're not thirsty, keep sipping water frequently. Avoid dehydration. In addition to water, regularly consume ORS solution, lemon water, buttermilk, lassi, and coconut water.
• Cover your head and body: If you must go out during the day, avoid direct sunlight. Keep your head well covered with a hat, scarf, or umbrella. Always wear cotton, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
• Pay attention to your diet: Avoid eating too much fried and spicy food. Include watery fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, and radish in your diet.
• Don't ignore the symptoms: If you experience symptoms like a sudden severe headache, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating or a sudden cessation of sweating, and a rapid heartbeat, don't take it lightly. This could be heatstroke. In such a case, get to a cool place immediately and seek medical help.