6 Time-Tested Ways to Beat the Summer Heat in Delhi NCR
On June 11, residents of Delhi NCR received an unexpected warning as strong winds swept through, providing a brief respite from the sweltering 42-degree heat. However, this relief was short-lived as a severe thunderstorm warning was issued, indicating wind speeds of 60-80 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h, accompanied by lightning and heavy rain. The alert urged everyone to remain indoors. Shortly after, the storm hit, causing chaos with flying furniture, bending trees, and damaged balconies. The power supply was disrupted across Noida, leaving many without electricity for up to 11 hours, enduring the heat without fans or air conditioning. Yet, Indians have a long history of coping with summer heat, even before the advent of modern cooling solutions. Here are six traditional methods that have stood the test of time:
To cool down a room, soak a thin cotton bedsheet, wring it out, and hang it in front of an open window. As the breeze passes through the damp fabric, it cools the air by 4 to 6 degrees through evaporation. This technique is similar to how desert coolers function and is particularly effective in the dry pre-monsoon air of Noida.
2. Sleep On The Floor
Since hot air rises, sleeping on the floor can be significantly cooler than resting near the ceiling. Traditional Indian homes often moved bedding to the floor or courtyard during summer for this reason. Marble floors retain coolness well into the night, so try moving your mattress down for immediate relief.
3. Use A Matka
An unglazed clay pot, or matka, can keep water 10 to 14 degrees cooler than the surrounding air without any electricity. The porous walls allow water to seep out and evaporate, cooling the remaining water inside. On a hot night, this can provide refreshingly cool water at 26 degrees. Priced around ₹100, these pots are a timeless solution for summer heat.
4. Create Cross Ventilation
Traditional kothi-style houses maintained a cool environment by having windows that faced each other, allowing air to flow through. In modern apartments, you can mimic this by opening the main door and back windows simultaneously while keeping internal doors open. This promotes airflow throughout the entire space instead of trapping it in one room.
Applying a cold, damp cloth to pulse points such as the wrists, neck, temples, and backs of the knees can effectively lower body temperature. These areas have blood vessels close to the skin, allowing for quicker cooling. Reapply the cloth every 20 minutes for optimal results, which explains why splashing cold water on your face feels refreshing.
Heavy meals can increase internal body heat due to the energy required for digestion. Instead, opt for lighter foods like curd rice, lassi, sattu sharbat, and cucumber, which are staples during North Indian summers. Sattu mixed with cold water and black salt requires no cooking and helps cool the body from within. Avoid heavy dinners, especially during power outages.
The matka, wet sheet, and sleeping on the floor are not outdated practices; they are effective solutions that have been used for centuries to combat the heat, just like the challenges faced in Noida during the storm. These methods are a testament to the wisdom passed down through generations, proving that traditional knowledge can still be relevant today.