With Goa witnessing the first showers of the season there was some respite from the heat wave that Goans had to bear with for the past several days. Now it is back to square one. Dry and warm weather is expected to continue across the State over the next seven days and no rainfall alert has been issued by the meteorological center for the next 48 hours. The maximum temperature is likely to remain in the 33-35 degree centigrade range over the next seven days. Citizens have to bear the heat, quite literally, as the temperatures recorded have been above normal.
What is making things worse is that the humidity levels are also on the higher side. A recent analysis by the IMD has noted a long-term significant increase in ‘heat stress’ due to high temperatures along with humidity over India. It is learnt that by 2050, India will be among the first places where temperatures will cross survivability limits, according to climate experts. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes.
The best way to beat the heat is to drink plenty of water, to stay cool indoors, wear light clothing and sunscreen and schedule outdoor activities carefully. Dehydration is a primary contributor to heat exhaustion. One should make it a habit to drink water even if one does not feel thirsty.
