City in for a sweltering summer

Weathermen predict heat wave conditions in State

HYDERABAD ,TELANGANA, 18/03/2017: Hot weather Day: University students cover themselves with covering their faces and an umbrella, to protect themselves from the hot climate during hot summer day in Hyderabad on Saturday. --Photo: Nagara Gopal

Day temperatures in the city are on the rise and threaten to breach 40 degree Celsius by month-end, without any likely let-up in the rise, warn weathermen. Doctors advise precautions against the heat to prevent fatalities that have become customary in the State every year.

The most severe of the warnings come from Skymet Weather, a private weather services provider that has predicted heat wave conditions soon in the State. What this means is, the maximum temperature could remain consistently five degree Celsius above normal, resulting in heat wave.

“There are no weather systems that can bring relief from the heat. We expect temperatures to rise but not exceed 41 degree Celsius. The dry weather is due to lack of winds carrying moisture,” said Mahesh Palawat, Chief Meteorologist at Skymet.

On Saturday, the State’s weather services provider India Meteorological Department recorded 39.8 degree Celsius, the maximum this month. An official said the temperature is expected to rise further in the coming days. Maximum temperature recorded in Hyderabad during March was 42.2 degree Celsius on March 29 in 1892. Last year, 41.2 degree Celsius was recorded on March 19.

With rising temperature, doctors warn against heat related health issues. “From mild exhaustion to heat stroke which is severe, heat causes various problems in summer. Light clothing and hydration is essential. The general advice is to stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” said Dr. Srirang Abkari, a city-based Internal Medicine expert.

Dr. Abkari also said patients are trickling in with complaints of health problems after exposure to heat. “Those are taking medications for other ailments of the heart or kidney need to be extra careful. The symptoms of heat related problems include lethargy, vomiting, giddiness, headache and in case of heat stroke, high fever,” he warned.

Several hundred deaths due to heat stroke were reported in the State last year though the official number was pegged at around 320. The government has begun formulating an action plan to tackle the situation.

Even as rise in temperature remains a concern, last year’s sudden rainfall bursts during May hold hope that such events this year may prevent day temperature from touching extremes.