Heat wave warning issued by National Weather forecasting centre, Indian Metrological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
According to IMD, heat wave warnings are issued when the temperature of any coastal station reaches 37 degrees and the departure from normal is between 4.5 to 6.4 degrees. When both these conditions are met for a coastal station like Goa and when it persists for two days at more than one station then heat wave is declared for that region.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) monitors temperature in Goa.
There is a network of 02 departmental Observatories at Panaji and Mormugao and 08 Out post Rainguage stations (Mapusa, Pernem, Valpoi, Ponda, Margao, Canacona, Qupem and Sanguem ) in Goa.
They measure various metrological parameters like Temperature, Relative humidity, pressure, wind speed & direction etc.
Thereafter, IMD declared heat wave over the region as per its following definition.
Criteria for Heat Waves
The heat wave is considered when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.
If the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C, then an increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition.
Further, an increase of 7°C or more from the normal temperature is considered as severe heat wave condition.
Additionally, if the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, a heat wave is declared.
on 13th March, India meteorological department (IMD), Panaji recorded 37.4 degree Celsius temperature which is remarkably over the average 30 degree Celsius temperature of goa
What is Heat Stroke
Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating.
The condition is most common in the summer months.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke
High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher,
profuse sweating
Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke
Weakness
nausea
vomiting
Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
headache
muscle cramps.
Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body
light-headedness
Risk factors
Anyone can develop heatstroke, but several factors increase your risk:
Age-
Infants, children, and the elderly are at risk because their bodies are less able to get rid of (dissipate) heat.
Infants and children are particularly at risk during hot weather.
Never leave an infant, toddler, or child in the car when it is hot.
Activities-
Limit activity for at least several days to allow yourself to acclimate to the change. However, you may still have an increased risk of heatstroke until you’ve experienced several weeks of higher temperatures.
Environment-
A lack of air conditioning. Fans may make you feel better, but during sustained hot weather, air conditioning is the most effective way to cool down and lower humidity.
Certain medications. Some medications affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and respond to heat. Be especially careful in hot weather if you take medications that narrow your blood vessels (vasoconstrictors), regulate your blood pressure by blocking adrenaline (beta blockers), rid your body of sodium and water (diuretics), or reduce psychiatric symptoms (antidepressants or antipsychotics).
Certain health conditions.
Certain chronic illnesses, such as heart or lung disease, might increase your risk of heatstroke. So can being obese, being sedentary and having a history of previous heatstroke.
Alcohol Smoking and other drugs.
How to Prevent Heat stroke-
Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:
Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing.
Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.
Take extra precautions with certain medications.
Never leave anyone in a parked car.
avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.
Get acclimated. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you’re conditioned to it.
Be cautious if you’re at increased risk. If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating.
First Aid everyone should know-
Move the person to a cool place under the shade
Give water or a rehydrating drink (if the person is still conscious)
Fan the person
Call 108 or nearest PHC/CHC or Consult a doctor if symptoms get worse or are long lasting or the person is unconscious
Do not give alcohol, caffeine or aerated drink
Cool the person by putting a cool wet cloth on his/her face/body
Loosen clothes for better ventilation
Emergency Kit especially for senior citizens
Water bottle
Umbrella/ Hat or Cap / Head Cover
Hand Towel
Hand Fan
Electrolyte / Glucose / Oral Rehydration
