Lucknow: North-west India, especially Lucknow and Delhi has been blazing with terrible heat for the last one or two weeks. There is an oppressive heatwave. People are troubled. They are feeling miserable. But the heat is not ready to abate. The maximum temperature is about 8 degrees Celsius above normal.
May is historically considered the hottest month in the country. But this year the temperature broke all records. The possibilities, fears and hopes. All were broken. For 15 consecutive days, there has been severe heat in Delhi and surrounding areas. Records are being broken. A new standard of weather is being set. The answer might lie in climate change.
The direction of the wind had changed from west to east. People of Delhi and surrounding areas got some relief. But after this the mercury shot up yet again. The rising temperature of the night has also become a worrying factor.
People are not able to sleep properly at night. This is ruining their whole day. Mental problems are also occurring. The elderly and children are facing the most problems.
What is the real reason for so much heat?
The effect of seasonal or climatic changes iis having an adverse impact. Drought and the wind direction along with it increase the heat in Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab.
One of the reasons behind the current heat is the hot air blowing from the west. This brings the desert heat to the plains of the north-west. Due to this, the temperature in Delhi and its surrounding areas increases rapidly. The mercury remains 40 degrees Celsius or above.
There is sweat-inducing heat all over the country. There will be no immediate relief from the heat. According to the Meteorological Department, there will be more heat in the next few days. Meteorologists say that cyclonic circulation can form in the western part of the country. This will pull the moisture of the Arabian Sea to the plains of the country. Then there can be some relief from the heat. But for how long, it is not known at the moment.
There is a possibility of rain due to the moisture and hot winds of the Arabian Sea. This will bring down the temperature for some time. There will be some relief from the heatwave. At present, even the farmers are upset with this weather. The moisture required for the crops is not visible far away.
Concrete jungles are being formed due to urban development. The climate is also being affected unseen due to uncontrolled construction work. You will see the difference in temperature inside Lucknow itself. Where there is more greenery, the mercury remains 4-5 degrees lower. But where there is less, there is more heat. This is called Urban Heat Island.
Urban heat islands are the places where more heat is felt inside the city itself. The temperature remains high. Because there are buildings in very high density. There is less or very little greenery. That is why these areas absorb more heat. They remain hot for a longer time.
Apart from this, the second biggest reason is the excessive use of air conditioners (AC). Due to this the mercury goes up even more. ACs are heat pumps in themselves. They generate heat.
Beating a heatwave requires thoughtful adjustments to your daily routine to stay cool and healthy. Here are some practical tips:
Morning Adjustments
Wake Up Early: Start your day earlier to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures.
Hydrate: Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up and continue to hydrate throughout the day.
Exercise Early: If you exercise, do so in the early morning before the heat peaks.
Throughout the Day
Stay Indoors: Remain indoors during peak heat hours (10 AM – 4 PM). Use fans, air conditioning, or visit public places with air conditioning, like malls or libraries.
Dress Appropriately: Wear light, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are best.
Eat Light: Opt for smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid heavy, hot foods and eat more salads, fruits, and vegetables.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks as they can dehydrate you.
Use Cooling Products: Keep a spray bottle with water in the fridge for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors. Use cooling towels or gels.
Afternoon Adjustments
Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous activities and schedule necessary outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.
Use Sunscreen: Apply a high-SPF sunscreen if you need to be outside. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for additional protection.
Cool Showers: Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
Evening Adjustments
Open Windows: If it cools down in the evening, open windows to let cooler air circulate.
Reduce Indoor Heat: Avoid using ovens or other appliances that generate heat. Opt for microwaving, grilling outside, or eating cold meals.
Use Fans Strategically: Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool the air blowing around the room.
Know Heat Illness Symptoms: Be aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion, and seek medical help if necessary.
