Patiala sizzles at 44.7°C

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 26

On Tuesday, Patiala witnessed the hottest day (44.7 degrees Celsius) of the month. The Health Department has cautioned residents of heat exhaustion.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said Patiala district had recorded 43.6 degrees Celsius on Monday and 42.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

With maximum temperature touching 45 degrees Celsius in the district, health experts pointed out that sudden rise in atmospheric temperature makes people vulnerable.

Reason: Sudden rise doesn’t give time for acclimatisation, which can upset all-natural defence mechanisms of the body for heat dissipation.

The advisory states that people should drink a lot of water, even if they do not feel thirsty. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose and porous cotton clothes. Use protective goggles and umbrella or hat when heading out, said experts.

If someone feels dizzy, consult a doctor, immediately. People should also use ORS, homemade drinks such as lassi (buttered milk) and lemon water to rehydrate the body. To keep indoors cool, use curtains, shutters or sunshade and open windows only at night.

District Epidemiologist Dr Sumeet said people should avoid going out in the sun, especially between 1 pm and 4 pm. He said people should also avoid high-protein and stale food. Alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks should be avoided because they might dehydrate the body.

Dr Sumeet said a person affected with sunstroke should be laid down in a cool place and wipe him/her with a wet cloth/wash the body frequently.

He said, “The main objective is to bring down the body temperature. Give the affected person an ORS or lemon water to drink. Take the person immediately to the nearest health centre.”