How Heatwaves Are Affecting Your Health

Summer temperatures are rising, and so are the risks. In many parts of the world—including large regions of India—heatwaves are no longer a rare event. They are becoming longer, more frequent, and much more intense. While most of us think of them as just an inconvenience, the truth is that heatwaves have serious health effects.

This article looks at how heatwaves are affecting your health, who’s most at risk, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What Is a Heatwave?

A heatwave is a period of unusually high temperatures that lasts for several days or more. It’s not just about feeling hot—heatwaves can push the body beyond its limits.

Different countries define a heatwave based on their local climate. In India, for example, a heatwave is declared when temperatures hit 40°C or more in plains and 30°C or more in hilly regions, lasting for at least two consecutive days.

How Heatwaves Are Affecting Your Health

Heatwaves don’t just make people uncomfortable—they can cause illness and even death, especially among vulnerable groups.

Here’s how they impact your body and overall well-being:

1. Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion

Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It happens when the body can’t cool itself fast enough and core temperatures soar above 40°C (104°F). Without quick medical help, it can lead to organ failure and death.

Heat exhaustion is less severe but still dangerous. Symptoms include:

• Heavy sweating

• Dizziness

• Weakness

• Nausea

• Headache

2. Dehydration

In high heat, your body loses water quickly through sweat. If you don’t drink enough, dehydration sets in. This leads to fatigue, confusion, dry skin, and in severe cases, kidney problems.

3. Breathing Problems

Hot air traps pollutants and increases the concentration of particles in the atmosphere. This affects people with asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory issues. Children and elderly people are especially vulnerable.

4. Heart Strain

Your heart works harder in extreme heat to pump blood and cool the body. This extra stress can be harmful, especially for people with high blood pressure or heart disease.

5. Worsening of Chronic Conditions

Heat can make existing health issues worse. People with diabetes, for example, may have trouble managing blood sugar levels. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can also worsen during heatwaves.

6. Sleep Disruption

Sleeping in high temperatures affects the body’s ability to rest and recover. Poor sleep can lead to a lower immune system, irritability, and lack of focus during the day.

Who’s Most at Risk During Heatwaves?

While heat affects everyone, some groups face higher risks:

• Elderly people (above 60)

• Infants and young children

• Pregnant women

• Outdoor workers (like farmers, construction workers)

• People with heart, lung, or kidney disease

• Those without access to fans or cooling systems

If you or someone you know falls into one of these categories, it’s especially important to take precautions.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Watch out for the following warning signs during a heatwave:

Seek medical help immediately if someone shows signs of heatstroke or fainting.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Now that you understand how heatwaves are affecting your health, here are steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeine—they increase dehydration. Coconut water and fresh fruit juices can also help replenish lost salts.

2. Avoid Going Out in Peak Hours

Stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest. If you must go out:

• Wear a hat or use an umbrella

• Carry a water bottle

• Wear loose, light-colored clothing

3. Keep Your Home Cool

• Close windows and curtains during the day

• Use fans or air conditioning if available

• Sleep on a damp towel or use a cool bath before bed

4. Check on Others

Look out for:

• Elderly neighbors

• Small children

• People with disabilities A quick visit or call can make a big difference.

5. Eat Light

Eat smaller, lighter meals more often. Heavy meals raise body temperature and take longer to digest.

6. Use Cooling Accessories

Cooling towels, ice packs, or even foot soaks in cold water can provide quick relief. Make sure pets also have access to cool water and shade.

How India Is Responding to Heatwaves

The Indian government and several state authorities have started implementing Heat Action Plans in cities like Ahmedabad and Nagpur.

Steps include:

• Early warning systems

• Public announcements and SMS alerts

• Setting up water booths and shade shelters

• Training healthcare workers to spot heat-related illnesses

These plans have already helped reduce deaths in places where they are in effect.

Long-Term Measures to Think About

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent due to climate change. While short-term actions are critical, we also need to think long-term.

Steps communities and families can take:

• Plant more trees around homes

• Paint rooftops white to reflect sunlight

• Build shaded areas for outdoor workers

• Push for better city planning and green spaces

FAQs

Can healthy people get heatstroke?

Yes. Even athletes and active young people can suffer if they’re out in the sun too long without proper hydration.

How much water should I drink during a heatwave?

At least 8–10 glasses a day, more if you’re sweating a lot. Listen to your body.

Are fans enough to stay cool?

Fans help, but in extreme heat, they may not be enough. Use water, cool showers, or air conditioning when possible.

Should I exercise during a heatwave?

Limit physical activity, especially outdoors. Early morning or late evening is best if you need to exercise.

Do heatwaves cause more deaths than other natural disasters?

Yes. Heatwaves silently claim thousands of lives every year and often go unnoticed compared to floods or storms.

Conclusion

Heatwaves are more than just a weather update—they’re a serious health risk that’s becoming harder to ignore. From dehydration to deadly heatstroke, the effects can be severe, especially for the most vulnerable.

But the good news is, you can take simple steps to stay safe. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check on others around you. With awareness and preparation, we can protect ourselves and each other from the dangers of extreme heat.

Next time the temperature soars, don’t wait to feel the burn—take action early. Your health depends on it.