Severe heatwave hits Andhra: People asked to stay indoors from 11 am to 3 pm

Amaravati: Heatwave has swept across many parts of Andhra Pradesh. Mercury has crossed 40 degree Celsius in several areas. MeT office said the conditions are likely to prevail for the next three days.

Weatherman says temperatures can touch up to 45 degrees Celsius from Wednesday. MeT has advised people to stay indoors between 11 am to 3 pm.

As per the State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), heatwave conditions are prevailing in 32 mandals. Alluri Sitarama Raju, Kakinada, Parvatipuram Manyam, Anakapalli, East Godavari, and Eluru districts are the worst hit.

If the temperature in the plains exceeds 45 degree Celsius or is about 4 to 5 degree Celsius higher, it is classified as a heatwave.

APSDMA Director B R Ambedkar advised people to take necessary precautions given the heatwave conditions.

Sai Praneeth, popularly known as Andhra Pradesh weathermen said: "Heatwave is to get stronger along Coastal Andhra Pradesh for the next three days with many places recording 42-43 degrees during the afternoon."

Vijayawada is likely to hit 40 degrees Celsius. Visakhapatnam will see temperatures up to 37 degree Celsius.

Above normal temperature

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Amaravati predicts above-normal temperature in the north coastal Andhra Pradesh districts and Eluru, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Anakapalle, and NTR districts from April to June. The IMD released a seasonal outlook for the summer, which is a long-term forecast of heatwave impact on the state from April to June.

S Karunasagar of IMD, Amaravati said Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Parvathipuram Manyam, and ASR districts will experience the heatwave impact. The temperature in these areas will be more than normal. Similarly, Eluru, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Anakapalle, Palnadu, and NTR districts will experience a heatwave impact.

Bapatla, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, and Nellore districts will experience more heatwave days during the period. Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Parvathipuram Manyam, and ASR districts will experience more than normal heatwave days in April, he added.

Highest heat wave in 2011, 2021

Andhra Pradesh witnessed the highest number of average heatwave days between 2011 and 2021 in the country after Rajasthan. During the period, Andhra Pradesh witnessed heatwave conditions for 106 days during the peak summer. It is the only state in Southern India and the second one in the country to witness more than 100 heatwave days in a decade.

Do's and Don'ts during Summer:

Do's:

• Drink sufficient water whenever possible, even if you are not thirsty. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

• Carry drinking water when traveling

• Use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and consume homemade drinks like lemon water, buttermilk/lassi, and fruit juices with some added salt.

• Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content like watermelon, musk melon, orange, grapes, pineapple, cucumber, lettuce, or other locally available fruits and vegetables.

• Wear thin, loose, cotton garments, preferably light-colored

• Cover your head: use an umbrella, hat, cap, towel, and other traditional head gear during exposure to direct sunlight

• Always stay in well-ventilated and cool places

• Block direct sunlight and heat waves: Keep windows and curtains closed during the day.

Dont's:

• Avoid getting out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm

• Avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon

• Avoid cooking during peak summer hours. Open doors and windows to ventilate the cooking area adequately

• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar- as these lead to loss of more body fluid or may cause stomach cramps

• Avoid high-protein food, and do not eat stale food

• Do not leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. The temperature inside a vehicle could get dangerous.

Heat stress:

Symptoms:

• Dizziness or fainting;

• Nausea or vomiting;

• Headache

• Extreme thirst

• Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine

• Rapid breathing and heartbeat

Precautions:

• Immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.

• Get help/medical attention

• Measure your body temperature

• Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour, especially after exercise.

Helpline:

•Call 108/102 if found someone with high body temperature, unconscious, or has stopped sweating.