Sweltering summers are tightening their grip across the country. On Saturday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 44.5°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), underscoring the intensity of this year’s heatwave. But beyond the discomfort, the rising mercury is increasingly becoming a serious public health concern - linked to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even life-threatening conditions like heatstroke.
Research shows that the impact is far more severe than it appears on the surface. According to a multi-city study analysing data from 2008 to 2019, extreme heatwaves - defined as “two-consecutive days with an intensity above the 97th annual percentile” - were associated with a significant rise in mortality. The study found that such conditions led to a 14.7 per cent increase in daily deaths compared to non-heatwave days. It further estimated that around 1,116 deaths annually could be attributed to heatwaves, with risks intensifying as the duration and severity of heat increased.
The crisis is even more complex in urban settings like Delhi. A 2024 study focusing on heat stress in the city highlights how deeply embedded the risk is within its urban landscape. “The analysis based on the high-resolution UTCI risk index showed that… 88 per cent of the city falls under a heat stress risk above the ‘Moderate to Highest’ category of stress values,” the study notes.
Importantly, researchers warn that heat-related health impacts are often underestimated. “Human health and productivity are affected even by a much lower heat environment,” the study states, adding that mortality linked to heat is frequently underreported unless it coincides with officially declared heatwaves.
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With temperatures soaring and risks mounting, experts emphasise that timely precautions can make a crucial difference. To understand what people can do to stay safe during peak summer conditions, we spoke to a medical expert.
Considering these rising risks, we spoke to Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant & HOD - Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, to understand what precautions people should take to stay safe during peak summer conditions.
How is rising heat impacting health?
Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya explained that extreme summer temperatures in cities like Delhi are no longer just a seasonal inconvenience but a growing public health concern. Prolonged exposure to heatwaves, she noted, can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and in severe cases, heatstroke.
“Extended exposure to high temperatures can disrupt daily functioning and significantly impact overall health if precautions are not taken,” she said.
Why are bike riders more vulnerable during heatwaves?
Highlighting the risks for two-wheeler riders, Dr Rajamanya pointed out that continuous exposure to direct sunlight and hot winds makes them particularly susceptible. She explained that, unlike those in air-conditioned vehicles, riders face sustained outdoor heat, which raises body temperature and leads to fatigue, dizziness, and reduced concentration.
“This not only affects physical well-being but also increases the risk of accidents,” she said.
She added that while helmets are essential for safety, they can also trap heat. “If not well-ventilated, helmets may contribute to discomfort and increase the chances of dehydration,” she noted.
What precautions can help beat the heat?
Dr Rajamanya stressed that hydration is the first and most crucial line of defence. She advised drinking water at regular intervals, even before feeling thirsty. “Fluids like coconut water, buttermilk, and lemon water with a pinch of salt help maintain electrolyte balance,” she said, cautioning against caffeine, sugary drinks, and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration.
She also underlined the importance of appropriate clothing. Lightweight, loose, and breathable fabrics such as cotton can help reduce heat retention. “Full-sleeve cotton clothing can protect against direct sunlight while still allowing airflow,” she explained. Accessories like sunglasses, scarves, and well-ventilated helmets can further minimise exposure.
Timing, she emphasised, plays a critical role. “Outdoor activities should be limited between 12 PM and 4 PM when temperatures peak,” she said, recommending early morning or late evening hours for travel and errands. Taking short breaks in shaded or cool areas during unavoidable travel can also help prevent overheating.
What symptoms should you watch out for?
According to Dr Rajamanya, identifying early warning signs of heat-related stress is essential to prevent complications. Symptoms such as excessive sweating, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps should not be ignored.
“If these progress to confusion, fainting, or a very high body temperature, it becomes a medical emergency requiring immediate attention,” she warned.
She added that children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable. Alongside hydration, she recommended a diet rich in water-dense foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, along with light, home-cooked meals.
“Small habits - like carrying water, using sunscreen, taking cool showers, and ensuring adequate rest - can make a significant difference in preventing heat-related illnesses,” she said, emphasising that awareness and simple precautions are key to staying safe during extreme summers.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS
