45 C puts city to test of heat endurance

Varanasi: As the holy city experienced hottest day of the season at 45 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the city roads as well as ghats wore a deserted look, as residents shielded themselves against heat and humidity with fans, coolers and ACs and stayed indoor even in the evening hours. Last time the city recorded 45 degree Celsius was on Apr 25.

According to IMD, the city recorded 45.6 degree Celsius maximum temperature, 4.8 degree Celsius above normal temperature. The minimum temperature was 29 degrees Celsius, 2.4 degrees Celsius above normal.

It was one of the most severe days of the summer season, accompanied by hot and dry winds. Even at night, mercury remained uncomfortably high, hovering near 28 to 29 degrees Celsius. The Ganga ghats and city roads appeared largely deserted during peak afternoon hours.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust took measures to protect devotees from heatwave and scorching sun by arranging for cold drinking water, mist fans and air coolers on the temple complex.

With mercury rising, health experts warned that summer triggers multiple illnesses and weakens immunity. According to chief medical officer Dr Rajesh Prasad, heat stroke occurs when lack of water and salt in body disrupt blood circulation. The body can handle temperature changes only to a point and extreme, prolonged heat prevents it from adjusting to the environment, leading to heat stroke. This can damage brain and kidneys, impair blood circulation, and cause burning eyes, heart problems, and muscular issues.

During summer season, heat stroke, diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, typhoid, viral fever, reddening of eyes and burning sensation in skin are common. These harm the body and can sometimes prove fatal. In public interest, people were urged to guard against health problems caused by hot winds or loo by following basic precautions. Anyone showing symptoms like prickly heat, cramps, body weakness, dizziness, severe headache, nausea, or fainting should immediately consult doctors at the nearest hospital or health centre.