Stay indoors, Mumbaikars: IMD predicts heat wave for today, tomorrow
The temperature in Mumbai, Raigad and Ratnagiri is likely to soar six degrees above normal and would touch 38°C degrees both today and tomorrow, said India Meteorological Department (IMD) as it issued a heat wave warning on Wednesday. Friday's Holi hopefully will bring some relief, as the maximum temperature is expected to drop down to 35°C. Read on to know more.
What has caused the sudden heat wave?
A period of exceptionally high day-temperature is called heat wave. The sudden temperature rise is because of a lower-level anti-cyclonic circulation over Gujarat and Maharashtra, bringing warm easterly to north-easterly winds over Mumbai and neighboring regions, IMD's KS Hosalikar told Hindustan Times. Moreover, the easterly winds aren't letting the cool sea breeze settle over the city soon enough, affecting parts of the Konkan coast.
How can it harm the human body?
If not regularly hydrated, heat waves can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here's how you can identify them: Heat cramps: A fever below 102°F, unexplained swelling and fainting. Heat exhaustion: Muscle cramps accompanied by weakness, headache, nausea and perspiration. Heat stroke: This can be a fatal condition if not treated timely. Symptoms include body temperature over 104°F, delirium and seizures.
Prevent going outdoors, drink lots of fluids
In February, Mumbai has been the hottest on February 25, 1966 with a day temperature of 39.6°C. Thursday will most likely see a clear sky and temperatures between 38°C and 21°C. The heat wave is expected to continue in certain isolated areas. Since both the moisture and temperature levels are high, experts recommend all to cut down on outdoor activity and drink plentiful fluids.
