Understanding the Dangers of Elevated Night Temperatures Amidst IMD’s Summer Forecast
As the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts very high night temperatures across the state this summer, health experts caution against the dangers of nocturnal heat, emphasizing its potential to trigger indirect heat-related illnesses, including fatal heatstrokes.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Indian Medical Association in Cochin, highlighted the urban heat island effect as a significant contributor to elevated night temperatures in cities. “Urban areas accumulate more greenhouse gases like CO2, Methane, NO2, and particulate matter, creating a heat chamber where extra heat from roads and buildings gets trapped,” Dr. Jayadevan explained, underscoring the heightened risk of heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke, even during nighttime hours.
According to public health expert Dileep Mavalankar from the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, elevated nighttime temperatures impede the body’s ability to cool down and recover from daytime heat, potentially leading to heatstroke and other complications. Mavalankar delineated two types of heatstrokes: exertional, occurring directly due to sun exposure, and non-exertional, induced by extremely high surrounding temperatures, particularly prevalent during nighttime. This indirect heatstroke can result in dehydration and organ failure, posing a severe threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Prompt cooling measures and rehydration are imperative to mitigate the risk of serious complications or fatalities associated with indirect heatstroke, stressed Mavalankar.
Dr. Ritu Parchure from Prayas Health Group, which conducted a scoping review of literature on the health impacts of extreme heat in India, emphasized the correlation between elevated temperatures, humidity levels, and adverse health outcomes. “Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a heightened risk of mortality when day or night temperatures surpass a certain threshold, particularly exacerbated by high humidity levels,” Dr. Parchure elaborated, elucidating how humidity affects sweat evaporation and thermoregulation, thereby amplifying the health risks associated with elevated temperatures.
As communities brace for the sweltering summer ahead, understanding the multifaceted risks posed by elevated nighttime temperatures is imperative to safeguard public health and implement effective preventive measures.
