North India is currently sizzling on a literal red alert. With the thermometer punching past 48 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan’s Ganganagar and large swathes of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Himachal under severe heatwave warnings, it is not just about sunburn anymore; it is about survival.
So, before you think of stepping out like it is just another hot day, know that this kind of heat can throw your body completely off balance, especially if you are not drinking enough water or you are still clinging to your morning chai.
How Heat Can Harm Your Health
We are not just talking about a little sweat here. This weather can increase your body’s internal thermostat to dangerous levels. You might feel drained, dizzy, or even catch a muscle cramp mid-conversation. According to Dr. Charu Goel Sachdeva, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, it is all thanks to your body losing salt and water faster than anything. Left unchecked, this imbalance can go from feeling weak to collapsing with a full-blown heatstroke.
And while young, healthy folks like to think they are invincible, the truth is, even gym bros and morning walkers are not spared. "If you are outdoors for too long, whether working, jogging, or being overly optimistic about your hydration levels, you are inviting trouble," warns Dr. Sachdeva. What follows is a headache, nausea, or falling unconscious.
SOS Signs Your Body Has Had Enough
If someone suddenly starts talking gibberish, passes out, or is burning up like a tandoor, that is your sign: it is a medical emergency. Rush them to the hospital. Heatstroke is not just uncomfortable; it is deadly serious. Fluids, salts, and swift medical help are the only way out.
Extra Sun Sensitivity
Children, the elderly, and anyone with breathing problems are the first to feel the pinch with skin rashes, sneezing fits, and allergies triggered by the hot air mixed with pollution. If your grandmother is still determined to sit on the veranda at noon, it is time for a serious chat.
“Older adults and kids simply cannot regulate heat as well,” says Dr. Sachdeva. “They must be kept hydrated, dressed in cotton, and ideally kept out of the sun from late morning till evening.”
No, Cold Water Is Not Always the Solution
You would think an icy-cold drink is your saviour. Not quite. Dr. Sachdeva busts the myth—gulping down freezing water can mess with your stomach. It is room-temperature water that your body actually wants. If you add a pinch of salt and sugar or use ORS to replenish, you can gain what has been lost through sweat.
Here is How to Deal With A Heatwave
- Hydrate like it is your side hustle: Water, ORS, nimbu-paani—anything but caffeine or booze.
- Dress the part: Loose, breathable cotton is your best friend.
- Avoid peak sun times: Stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. if you value your organs.
- Eat smart: Watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and other juicy fruits are your natural coolants.
- Watch out for the signs: Cramping, dizziness, headaches, confusion = bad news.
Dr. Sachdeva says: “It is not hard to stay safe, but it does take effort. Do not wait to feel thirsty; by then, your body’s already sounding the alarm.” Stay cool, stay shaded, and maybe skip that afternoon stroll for a nap under the fan instead.
