‘Stay hydrated’ tops the list of heat tips as mercury levels rise in Karnataka

mangaloretoday.com

Bengaluru, March 4, 2025: Due to the dry weather prevailing across the state and in Bengaluru for the rest of this week, government agencies, including the State Health Department and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), have suggested protective measures against heat-related issues.

The IMD’s Meteorological Centre noted on Monday that heatwave conditions are likely to prevail over Uttara Kannada district until Tuesday.

The centre has recorded maximum temperatures in the range of 35°C to 38°C over coastal Karnataka, a similar range across districts in North Interior Karnataka, and districts such as Mandya and Shivamogga in South Interior Karnataka, besides a range of 32°C to 34°C in Bengaluru.

In the past 24 hours, there has been an appreciable rise (over 2.5°C) in maximum temperatures in Koppal and Chintamani, with no major changes over the rest of Karnataka.

However, the centre noted that the maximum temperature was above normal at the Bengaluru international airport (KIAL). Bengaluru is likely to experience maximum and minimum temperatures of 33°C and 20°C, respectively, according to the IMD forecast.

Both the IMD and the State Health Department, which issued a heat advisory on Sunday, advised people, especially vulnerable populations such as infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic physical and mental illnesses, to avoid heat exposure, particularly during noon, wear lightweight and light-coloured cotton clothing, and cover their heads.

The Health Department noted that heat-related illnesses include heat rashes, edema (swelling of hands and feet), muscle cramps, fainting, exhaustion, and heatstroke. It could also exacerbate chronic diseases.

An advisory urged people to drink liquids and seek immediate medical attention if any heat stress symptoms are observed.

"Call 108 or 102 immediately if you find someone with high body temperature who is either unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating,” the advisory stated.

Symptoms of heat stress

* Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
* Nausea or vomiting
* Muscle weakness or cramps
* Altered mental state, confusion, agitation, or irritability
* Headache and extreme thirst, decreased urination
* Rapid breathing and heartbeat

 Heatstroke signs in children

* Refusal to feed, excessive irritability
* Dry oral mucosa and absence of tears or sunken eyes
* Lethargy, bleeding, seizures

Do’s and Don’ts

Drink sufficient water and carry drinking water while traveling.

Use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and homemade drinks like lemon water, buttermilk/lassi, and fruit juices with added salt, besides seasonal fruits with a high-water content.

Follow local weather updates via radio, television, newspapers, and official websites and handles of the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre and the IMD.

Limit outdoor activity to cooler times of the day — before 11 am or after 4 pm.

Close curtains during the day, remain on lower floors and in well-ventilated places, and use fans and damp clothes to cool off during the day.

Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft and sugary drinks.

Do not leave children and pets in parked vehicles.