Chandigarh issues advisory to beat the heat

Chandigarh, May 16

The UT Administration has issued a health advisory for people to stay safe during the prevailing heat wave conditions.

Signs and symptoms

Heat exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating

Heat stroke: Body temperature of 40°C i.e. 104°F or more, along with delirium, seizures or coma. This is a potential fatal condition.

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What to do

• Avoid going out or working in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm
• Drink sufficient water and frequently, even if not thirsty
• Wear lightweight, light-hued, loose and porous clothes
• Avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high
• Carry water while travelling
• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrate the body
• If you work outside, use a hat or an umbrella and also use a damp cloth on your head, neck, face and limbs
• Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles
• If you feel like fainting or ill, see a doctor immediately
• Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi and lemon water, which help rehydrate the body
• Keep animals in shade and give them plenty of water to drink

The maximum temperature in the city today soared to 41°C, which was three degrees above normal. On Saturday, the mercury had touched the record 43.6°C.

The weather department has predicted partly cloudy conditions with chances of rain or thundershowers tomorrow, when the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 39°C.

The city is likely to witness a fall in temperature by 3 to 4 degrees in the next 24 hours and dusty winds at the speed of 30 to 40 km/h are likely to prevail in the city tomorrow.

Heat wave is considered as prevailing if the maximum temperature of a station reaches 40°C or more for plains and 30°C or more for hilly regions and the departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C. On the basis of actual temperature, it is considered heat wave when the mercury touches 45°C mark or goes beyond it. The health impact of the heat wave typically involved dehydration, cramps, exhaustion and/or heat stroke.