Even before summer’s official arrival, parts of North India are already facing a punishing heatwave. With temperatures soaring beyond 40°C, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert, warning people to take precautions. While anyone can feel the effects, vulnerable groups like seniors, toddlers, and those with medical conditions face the highest risks.

How high temperatures strain your body

In sweltering weather, your body expands blood vessels to release heat, causing a drop in blood pressure. This forces the heart to pump harder to maintain circulation. You may experience swelling, itching heat rashes, and excessive perspiration. Sweating not only cools you down but also drains your body of crucial fluids and salts, upsetting its internal stability. If this balance isn’t restored, it can lead to heat exhaustion and escalate into heatstroke, a life-threatening emergency when body temperature exceeds 40°C.

Spot the signs before it’s too late

Here are five red flags that your body may be overheating:

  • Pounding headache and lightheadedness, often early signs of trouble

  • Faintness or dizziness, a clear indicator of temperature dysregulation

  • Queasiness or vomiting, showing that your body is overwhelmed

  • Painful muscle spasms, particularly in limbs and stomach

  • Very high body temperature, a major warning for heatstroke

    • Who should be extra cautious?

    Elderly individuals, those with heart or sugar-related conditions, children, people with cognitive disorders, the unhoused, and residents of poorly ventilated upper floors are more prone to heat-related ailments.