After 40°C heat, will Mumbai finally get relief today?

After a scorching start to the week with temperatures touching 40 degrees in Mumbai the city is expected to get slight relief from Wednesday as the mercury is likely to dip according to the India Meteorological Department IMD Weather officials said the decline in temperature will be gradual offering some respite after the unusually intense earlyMarch heatOn Tuesday the maximum temperature recorded by the IMD Santacruz observatory was 40degC which was 76degC above normal while the IMD Colaba observatory recorded 354degC which was 43degC above normal The IMD on Tuesday afternoon issued an orange alert for Mumbai and the entire MMR including Thane and Palghar predicting heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in isolated pocketsmidday contacted Sushma Nair scientist at IMD Mumbai to seek clarity on some burning questionsWhy has Mumbairsquos temperature touched 40 degree C so early in the seasonThere is an anticyclonic circulation over Gujarat and its neighbourhood bringing dry easterlies over the region This stalls the sea breeze which generally moderates the temperatures of coastal cities Therefore the maximum temperature rises Yesterday Monday the temperature in Santacruz was 6 degree C above normal There is no western disturbance or any other system affecting the temperature and it is only the effect of the anticyclonic circulationWhat is the forecast for Mumbai over the next few daysThe effect of the anticyclone will diminish from today Wednesday and the maximum temperature is expected to fall over North Konkan On Tuesday we issued orange alerts for Palghar Mumbai and Thane For Wednesday a yellow alert has been issued for North Konkan warning of hot and humid conditionsSushma Nair scientist IMD MumbaiDoes this qualify as a heatwave according to the IMD criteria for coastal citiesYes The maximum temperature should be 37 degree C or more and its departures from normal should be more than 45 degree C Around 45 degree C to 64 degree C departures from normal qualify for a heatwave Any departures from 65 degree C and above qualify to be termed a severe heatwaveAre such high March temperatures becoming more frequent in MumbaiLast year too a severe heatwave was recorded in the first week of March This is transition season so March generally records high temperatures Stay hydrated and avoid long exposure to the sunWhich areas of Mumbai are recording the highest temperaturesRam Mandir 424degCVikhroli 416degCByculla 400degCBandra 397degCVidyavihar 395degCChembur 388degCDahisar 388degCMumbai heatwave impact Doctors warn of dehydration heat exhaustion and heatstrokelsquoWith temperatures rising above 38 degree C and high humidity in Mumbai we commonly see cases of dehydration heat exhaustion heat cramps heatstroke low blood pressure and worsening of preexisting heart or kidney conditions The combination of heat and humidity makes it harder for the body to cool itself through sweating increasing the risk of heatrelated illnesses Outdoor workers elderly individuals and patients with chronic illnesses are presenting more frequently with heatrelated complicationsrsquo Dr Rahul Gupta intervention cardiologist Gleneagles Hospital MumbaiFirst aid for someone suffering from heatstrokeHeatstroke is a medical emergency Immediate steps includebull Shift the person to a cool or airconditioned placebull Remove excess clothingbull Sponge the body with cool water or apply ice packs to the neck armpits and groinbull If conscious give small sips of cool waterbull Please seek emergency medical assistance right awayIf untreated heatstroke can lead to organ damage seizures or even deathEarly signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke people should watch out forEarly warning signs includebull Excessive sweatingbull Severe thirstbull Fatigue or weaknessbull Headachebull Dizziness or lightheadednessbull Nausea or vomitingbull Muscle crampsWarning signs of heatstroke includebull Very high body temperaturebull Confusion or altered behaviourbull Dry hot skin sometimes no sweatingbull Rapid pulsebull UnconsciousnessAny confusion or collapse in hot weather should be treated as an emergencyDr Rahul Gupta intervention cardiologist Gleneagles HospitalWhich groups are most at risk during extreme heatmdashchildren elderly outdoor workersThe most vulnerable groups includebull Elderly individualsbull Young children and infantsbull Outdoor workers construction workers traffic police delivery staffbull Pregnant womenbull Athletes training outdoorsbull People living in poorly ventilated homesThese groups either cannot regulate body temperature effectively or are exposed to prolonged heatAre patients with heart conditions diabetes or BP more vulnerable during heatwavesYes Patients with heart disease hypertension diabetes and kidney problems are more vulnerable Heat can cause dehydration which thickens the blood and increases strain on the heart Blood pressure may fluctuate and diabetics may experience unstable sugar levels Certain medications like diuretics can worsen dehydration riskSuch patients must be extra cautious and maintain regular hydration and medication schedulesWhat are the most important precautions people should take during such high temperaturesKey precautions includebull Stay well hydrated throughout the daybull Avoid stepping out between 11 am and 4 pmbull Wear loose lightcoloured cotton clothingbull Use caps umbrellas and sunglasses when outdoorsbull Never leave children or elderly individuals in parked carsbull Take frequent breaks if working outdoorsbull Keep homes wellventilatedPrevention is far easier than treating heatstrokeHow much water intake is recommended in this kind of heatOn average adults should aim for at least 25 to 35 litres of fluids per day in extreme heat Those who sweat excessively or work outdoors may require even moreIn addition to water coconut water lemon water with salt and oral rehydration solutions ORS can help maintain electrolyte balanceWhat kind of diet or foods help the body stay cool during extreme heatLight easily digestible meals are best Recommended foods includebull Seasonal fruits like watermelon muskmelon and orangesbull Cucumber and saladsbull Curd and buttermilkbull Coconut waterbull Homecooked less spicy mealsThese help maintain hydration and prevent digestive discomfortWhat foods or drinks should people avoid during very hot weatherPeople should limitbull Alcoholbull Excess caffeinebull Very spicy and oily foodsbull Deepfried snacksbull Sugary carbonated beveragesThese can worsen dehydration or increase body heatShould people avoid outdoor activities during certain hours of the dayYes Outdoor activities should ideally be avoided between 11 am and 4 pm when temperatures peak If unavoidable ensure proper hydration wear protective clothing and take frequent breaks in shaded areas