Max temperature in Nashik city stays above 40°C for fourth consecutive day

Nashik: The maximum temperature in Nashik city remained above 40°C for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, while Jalgaon was the hottest in the region at 45.5°C, followed by Malegaon at 43.8°C.The maximum temperature of Ahilyangar was recorded at 43.0°C. Nashik city recorded a maximum temperature of 41.2°C on Tuesday, compared to 42.0°C on Monday.Nashik city has been experiencing maximum temperatures above 40°C since Saturday. With temperatures crossing the 40°C-mark for consecutive days, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has stepped up its heat-response measures by opening special wards at three more civic hospitals, each with five beds, to treat sunstroke and other heat-related cases.Earlier, similar facilities were set up at New Bytco Hospital and Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital, housing 10 beds each. A civic official, while talking to TOI, said the move is aimed at strengthening preparedness as temperatures continue to rise. "The number of beds will be increased if required," the official said."No sunstroke cases have so far been reported at civic hospitals, but the health department remains fully prepared to provide immediate treatment. We have opened special wards at Indira Gandhi Hospital and two other civic hospitals in view of the rising mercury levels. We have provided all necessary medicines and equipment required to treat sunstroke patients," a senior official from the civic health department said. The NMC has appealed to the residents to take precautionary measures, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight, and using protective measures during peak afternoon hours.Officials have advised the residents to drink water frequently even when not thirsty, wear light-coloured and loose cotton clothes, use umbrellas, sunglasses and caps, avoid strenuous outdoor activity in the afternoon, carry drinking water while travelling and avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated beverages which can cause dehydration.