Heat alert for Hyderabad, several districts in Telangana

HYDERABAD: A high heat alert for various parts of Telangana including Hyderabad has been issued for the next two days by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Temperatures during this period are expected to stay between 40 degree and 45 degree Celsius across the state.

There is also a thunderstorm alert in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Nalgonda, Rangareddy, Hyderabad, Medchal Malkajigiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Medak, Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Narayanpet and Jogulamba Gadwal owing to high heat levels.

On Friday, temperature s soared to 43 degree Celsius in Hyderabad. The highest temperature was recorded at Moosapet, followed by Reinbazar that recorded 42.9 degrees. The highest temperature in the state was 44.8 at Bhadradi Kothagudem.

Steady flow of northerly winds into Telangana is not only leading to a rapid rise in temperatures but also pushing humidity levels drastically down. According to IMD data, the state has seen a sharp rise in mercury levels in the past four days, even as the minimum Relative Humidity (RH) count has dropped significantly.

In Hyderabad, for instance, the RH level dropped to as low as 23% to 29% during the period adding to the dry and hot conditions. Result: Dehydration and heat distress. The average humidity levels in the city usually hover between 35% and 60%.

"Currently, we have three patients admitted in Gandhi Hospital all of whom are from Hyderabad. They have typical symptoms of heat stress and what is common among them is that they are diabetic and senior citizens. None had any outside exposure.

"The suffered heat stress with loss of electrolyte despite staying indoors," said Dr Raj Rao, superintendent, Gandhi Hospital.

Risk of dehydration

According to environmentalist Donthi Narasimha Reddy, low RH with high heat can add to increased dehydration as the body tends to sweat more and lose electrolytes. If not replaced with liquids soon, it can lead to stress on the body. "It is crucial to have public water booths and ragi ambali kendra set up. It was once implemented in the city and needs to be brought back to ensure electrolyte levels do not drop," he said.

With Telangana headed for more heatwave days across various districts - Khammam district is already witnessing a sharp 5.6 degree Celsius spike in temperatures-- the condition is expected to worsen over the next few days. "Going forward we can expect such high temperatures to persist and also witness some thunderstorms which will add to the humidity. Apart from low RH, very high humidity levels also add to human discomfort as makes it tougher for human bodies to sweat as there is a lot of moisture outside. In such cases, people may not be able to release heat from their bodies effectively through sweating," said A Sravani, scientist C with IMD.

Experts note that there is an urgent need to have a dedicated heat action plan (HAP) for Hyderabad. "The HAP should have a component of identifying vulnerable working groups like that of labourers, bus drivers, gig workers and cooks who are exposed to heat conditions through the day. They should be exempted from work between 12 pm and 3pm," added Reddy.