Karnataka braces for early heatwave, health department issues advisory

With parts of Karnataka already experiencing heatwave conditions ahead of the peak summer months of April and May, the state’s health department has issued guidelines to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The advisory highlights that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause heat stress, leading to ailments ranging from mild rashes to severe conditions like heat stroke. Chronic health issues, including heart, respiratory, and kidney diseases, may also worsen. Symptoms of heat stress include dizziness, nausea, severe thirst, dark-colored urine, and rapid heartbeat.

To combat these effects, the health department recommends staying hydrated with water, ORS, and homemade drinks such as lemon water, buttermilk, and fruit juices. Loose, comfortable clothing and avoiding outdoor activities between 11 am and 4 pm are also advised. Those arriving from cooler climates should allow their bodies time to adjust and drink plenty of fluids. The advisory strongly warns against leaving children or pets in parked vehicles due to dangerously high temperatures inside.

According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, temperatures will remain above normal across much of the state, with heatwaves lasting up to two weeks in northern and coastal districts. Bengaluru and south interior Karnataka, however, may experience relatively stable conditions. A brief heatwave spell of two to five days is predicted in March, with above-average pre-monsoon rainfall expected.

The coastal region, already under a heatwave alert, is forecast to endure high temperatures and humidity until March 5.

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