Karnataka is expected to witness above-normal temperatures during March to May, potentially leading to heatwave conditions in various regions. Gearing up to tackle the weather change, the Health Department has issued a comprehensive advisory aimed at mitigating heat-related health risks.
The advisory recommends staying hydrated, wearing loose cotton clothes, using hats or umbrellas, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours (12 pm to 3 pm). It warns that extreme heat can lead to conditions like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can be dangerous, especially for infants, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those with existing health issues.
People experiencing heat stress symptoms should move to a cooler place, drink water, and seek medical help if necessary, the advisory reads. Employers have also been advised to provide drinking water and shade for workers.
According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre's summer weather outlook, north interior Karnataka and coastal districts are likely to experience above-normal maximum temperatures. South interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, and the Malnad region are anticipated to see maximum temperatures around normal levels.
Minimum temperatures across the state are also forecasted to be above normal, with heatwave conditions expected to persist for periods ranging from two to 14 days, particularly affecting the dry districts of north interior Karnataka. The onset of heatwave conditions is projected as early as March, with the likelihood of heatwaves lasting from two to five days during the month. Above-normal pre-monsoon showers are expected during this period.
In coastal Karnataka, where recent heatwave alerts have been issued by the India Meteorological Department, hot and humid conditions are expected to persist until early March