Don't sweat over heatwave

Even as Chennaiites braced for a heatwave to roast the city, officials at the Regional Meteorological Centre clarified that the temperature had returned to normal by Tuesday, bringing respite to the citizens. Weather bloggers also said that even a ‘heatwave’ as defined by the Met officials might not be all that unusual, as it is simply a hike in temperature by 5 degrees. Unless it takes place during the hottest month, people need not panic.

“On April 18, there were no heat wave conditions recorded, as the southeasterly winds eased the temperature (maximum temperature of 36.1 degree Celsius)”, an official explained. “The reason for the heatwave on April 17 was due to Cyclone Marutha, which crossed in Myanmar. Due to this, the moisture was removed and dry air led to increase in temperature.  But on Tuesday, the coastal winds coming towards the land brought a respite from the heat,” he added. However, interiors of Tamil Nadu witnessed high temperatures. On Tuesday, Vellore recorded 43 degree Celsius, while Tiruchy saw a maximum temperature of 42 degree Celsius. 

However, the relief for Chennai will continue, with the weather forecast on Wednesday being of a partly clouded sky, with a maximum temperature of 39 degree Celsius. 

Stay cool: “The IMD issued a heatwave warning because temperatures in many areas crossed the five- degree threshold, as in, it was five degree above normal. There is no need to be worried because the temperature here never rises to 48 degrees,” said Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikkalam weather blogger K Srikanth The bloggers clearly said that there is no need for people to panic as the temperature will get down in the coming days. In his blog post on Tuesday, he said, “Heatwave - like conditions have gripped many parts of  Tamil Nadu, particularly the northern districts of  Thiruvallur and Vellore, while Chennai has not been spared either. Thiruttani blazed to 44°C yesterday (Monday), while Vellore set its own hottest day of the year record, at 43.5. While Chennai city observatory showed a degree or so reduction compared to Sunday, thanks to sea breeze effect, there was no respite for Meenambakkam which set the hottest April day record for the last decade by clocking 42.2°C. Since the turn of the millennium only 2006 saw Meenambakkam temperatures cross 41 degrees during April even then it was the last 3 days of April that saw such high temperatures.” 

He further added that the temperature climbed down from Tuesday. With regard to the temperatures in May and June, he said, “There will be no drastic changes and it will be as hot as other years,” 

Stay hydrated: While experts said that avoiding stepping out in the sun from 11 am to 3 pm can help, staying hydrated in a humid city like Chennai is also important. They explained that sweating plays an important health role, because it helps maintain the body temperature by cooling it down. When we’re hot and we sweat, that moisture evaporates and cools us off a bit. But excessive sweating, in the absence of adequate replenishment can cause great pain. Some of the warning signs include cramps, tiredness and extreme exhaustion, accompanied by dehydration. These are more common among pregnant women, they say. Dr S Ragunanthanan, Professor of Medicine, Madras Medical College adds that aged people suffer the most during this season. “The geriatric population and those on psychotropic drugs are more prone to develop it. The elderly who most often are on medications find coping with heat stress tougher,” he said. 

Doctors also said that dehydration and heat shock syndrome among the aged occurs very often during this time. Hyperpyrexia, an elevation of body temperature, is another form of fever which affects them during this season. Doctors advise drinking as much as 3 to 4 litres of water and adding buttermilk and fresh fruit  to their diet regimen. Dr R Sundararaman, Internal Medicine Expert, added that those with diabetes, kidney problems and heart conditions were more likely to be affected. “We always tell them to check the colour of their urine. If it is yellow, then they are not adequately hydrated. Neglecting heat exhaustion could lead to heat stroke, but that is rarely seen in our city,” he said.