THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is currently going through a hot climate not experienced in recent times.

The Met department warns that the temperature will soar again in the coming days. Tomorrow and day after, there is possibility for heat waves.
There are chances for severe heat waves in Kozhikode. The intensity of heat will also be high in Malappuram, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvannathapuram.

What is heat wave?
A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western parts of India. Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July. The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions adversely affect people living in these regions as they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting in death.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves :

Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degree celsius for Plains and at least 30 degree celsius for Hilly regions
When normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40 degree celsius Heat Wave Departure from normal is 5 degree celsius to 6 degree celsius Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 7 degree celsius or more
When normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40 degree celsius Heat Wave Departure from normal is 4 degree celsius to 5 degree centigrade Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 6 degree celsius or more
When actual maximum temperature remains 45 degree celsius or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves should be declared. Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties.
Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties.

Health Impacts of Heat Waves

The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. The signs and symptoms are as follows:

Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39 degree celsius i.e.102 degree celsius
Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating.
Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40 degree celsius i.e. 104 degree celsius or more along with delirium, seizures or coma. This is a potential fatal condition

In a State if the temperature is above 40 degree celsius on two places, the met department will declare the state to be experiencing heat waves.
It was in 2012 that heat wave was experienced for the first time in Kerala. Later in 2016 also there was a similar experience.

Precautionary steps
Since there are chances for dehydration, drink lot of water.

Avoid going out under direct sun between 11 am and 3pm.

Wear cotton clothes and avoid wearing tight clothes

Chances for sun stroke
There are chances for functioning of liver, kidney and heart to go hay ware as the temperature of body will raise above 40 degree Celsius.

The main symptom of this is one will become unconscious all on a sudden. In this condition the affected person should be rushed to hospital.
-Dr B Padmakumar (Professor Medicine department- Gobt T D Medical College, Alappuzha)