As an intense heatwave grips large parts of India, Dr Neeraj has issued a stark warning: drinking plain water is not enough to protect against heat-related illnesses. Speaking to ANI on May 21, the doctor cautioned that along with sweat, the body loses essential electrolytes, especially sodium, and failure to replenish them can lead to life-threatening complications.

The Electrolyte Gap

“As the heat increases, the sweetening process in the body increases. This leads to dehydration. You feel thirsty, and if you don't pay attention to this, the most important thing is that along with this sweat, our electrolytes, especially sodium, also begin to decrease,” Dr Nishchal explained. He emphasised that simple hydration is insufficient and urged people to drink lemonade, coconut water or ORS to replenish electrolytes.

Warning Against Alcohol

Strongly advising against alcohol consumption in hot weather, Dr Nishchal said, “Alcohol should be completely avoided. So, if anyone says that drinking chilled beer can beat the heat, I'd say they're wrong”.

Potential Complications

Highlighting the medical risks, the AIIMS doctor warned that ignoring dehydration can cause organs, especially the kidneys and heart, to begin shutting down. “If we still don't pay attention, other organs, especially the kidneys and heart, begin to shut down, and if you don't pay attention, it can prove fatal,” he cautioned.

Preventive Measures

Dr Nishchal urged people to take preventive steps while stepping outdoors, including using umbrellas and hats to avoid direct sunlight. The warning comes as the India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Telangana, Odisha and Uttarakhand.

Heatstroke Cases Rising

Maharashtra has recorded 292 heatstroke cases and 15 suspected deaths between March 1 and June 4 this year, with heat-related OPD visits rising by 5-15% and hospital admissions by 2-8% compared to last year. At least 16 people have died of heatstroke in southern India so far this summer.

What Next

Health experts recommend carrying electrolyte-rich drinks while stepping out and avoiding outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and urges citizens to remain alert for danger signs of heat-related illnesses including dizziness, headache, nausea and high body temperature.

Chhattisgarh Braces for Five-Day Heat Wave as Storm Damage Mounts Across State

Heat advisory issued for central districts; southern regions face thunderstorm risk as temperatures climb

Heat wave warning extended across central belt

Chhattisgarh is set to experience a prolonged spell of intense heat over the next five days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a formal heat wave alert for the state's central districts. Officials have cautioned residents to take precautions as maximum temperatures are expected to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the coming four days.

The weather office has also flagged the possibility of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and light rainfall across select pockets of southern Chhattisgarh, signalling a mixed pattern even as the heat intensifies across most of the state.

Storm damage reported in Durg-Bhilai region

The evening of May 19 saw severe weather conditions grip parts of the state. In Durg-Bhilai, a thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds caused significant damage, with a high-voltage electricity pole collapsing onto a parked vehicle. The incident underscored the volatile conditions that preceded the broader heat advisory.

Raigarh district also experienced heavy winds and light showers during evening hours, while Raipur saw cloud cover develop by late afternoon, providing temporary relief from the oppressive heat. The scattered convective activity across these zones marks the tail end of pre-monsoon instability before sustained heat takes over.

Temperature records: Bilaspur soars, Ambika region coolest

Latest data from the IMD shows Bilaspur recording the state's highest maximum temperature at 43.4 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest district in Chhattisgarh. By contrast, Ambikapur logged the lowest minimum temperature at 25.7 degrees Celsius.

Raipur, the state capital, is expected to touch around 43 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with the minimum hovering near 30 degrees under clear sky conditions. Narayanpur district's Nangur region recorded 30 mm of rainfall, the only significant precipitation observed during the past 24 hours.

What to expect: Next 48 hours remain dry

The meteorological office has forecast largely dry conditions across Chhattisgarh for the next two days. However, heat wave effects are likely to persist in several parts, with officials advising people to remain hydrated and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours.

The central and northern districts face the brunt of the heat advisory, while southern pockets retain a marginal chance of scattered thunderstorm activity. Grid operators have been alerted to potential strain on the power distribution system due to increased cooling demand.

Monsoon tracking: Southwest arrival by late May

Scientists tracking the southwest monsoon indicate Kerala could see the system's arrival around May 26, with a possible window of four days either way. This timing suggests relief for Chhattisgarh may come in early June, though exact progression remains subject to atmospheric dynamics.

Until monsoon onset, the state must prepare for sustained heat. Health authorities have ramped up heat-related illness awareness campaigns, particularly targeting vulnerable populations and outdoor workers.

Key Health Advisories for Summer Months

Officials have released parallel guidance on maintaining fitness routines during extreme heat, managing hydration protocols, and recognising heat edema symptoms—a condition where limbs swell due to heat-induced changes in blood vessel circulation and fluid balance.

The state health department emphasised avoiding common summer mistakes such as consuming ice-cold water, inadequate hydration, venturing outdoors unprepared, and poor hygiene practices that collectively increase risk of dehydration, fatigue, skin complications, and digestive disorders.

Heat edema, often dismissed as trivial, warrants medical attention if accompanied by persistent swelling. The condition reflects the body's thermoregulation mechanisms under thermal stress.

Looking ahead

As Chhattisgarh navigates the extended heat spell, residents are urged to follow basic precautions: drink ample water, wear light clothing, apply sunscreen, and seek shade during 11 AM to 4 PM hours. Industries and construction sites have been asked to adjust work schedules to minimise heat exposure.

The next forecast update is expected by evening May 20.

Heatwave Alert: Heatstroke Risks Rise as Temperatures Soar

With heatstroke cases likely to increase amid extreme summer heat, experts outline warning signs and simple steps to protect children and the elderly.

As large parts of India continue to reel under an intense heatwave, health experts are warning of a sharp rise in Heatstroke cases, particularly among vulnerable groups. In most states outside the Northeast, daytime temperatures have been hovering between 40°C and 47°C, with several cities in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra already crossing 46°C earlier this month.

Medical professionals say that once temperatures climb above 40°C, the risk of heatstroke rises significantly, especially when exposure to the sun is prolonged or hydration is inadequate.

Rising heat concerns

The current spell of extreme heat has pushed hospitals and local health systems to remain on alert. According to officials, the combination of high temperatures and humidity can make it difficult for the human body to cool itself effectively.

In such conditions, thermoregulation — the body’s natural cooling mechanism — may fail, causing body temperature to spike beyond safe limits. This can lead to damage to vital organs including the brain, heart and kidneys if not addressed quickly.

Early warning signs

Doctors note that early symptoms of heatstroke often resemble dehydration. These include intense thirst, headache, dizziness and fatigue. As the condition worsens, more severe signs may emerge, such as confusion, fainting, rapid pulse and vomiting.

“Initial symptoms are often ignored or mistaken for general fatigue, which delays intervention,” a senior physician at a government hospital said. “Timely action is crucial.”

Heat exhaustion vs stroke

Health experts also underline the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke. While heat exhaustion is less severe and typically results from excessive sweating and dehydration, it can still signal that the body is under stress.

Heatstroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency. In such cases, body temperature can rise to 40°C or more, sweating may stop, and the person may become disoriented or unconscious. Immediate medical attention is essential.

High-risk groups

Children, elderly individuals, and those working outdoors are among the most vulnerable. According to health officials, young children dehydrate more quickly, while older adults often have a reduced ability to regulate body temperature.

People with chronic illnesses such as heart or kidney conditions, as well as those on certain medications, are also at higher risk. Outdoor workers and athletes exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods face additional danger.

When it turns dangerous

Heatstroke risk increases further under specific conditions — prolonged exposure to sunlight between noon and 4 PM, lack of ventilation in enclosed spaces, and intense physical activity during peak heat hours.

Authorities have also flagged the danger of leaving individuals, especially children or elderly persons, inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can rise rapidly.

Immediate response steps

If someone shows signs of heatstroke, quick action can be life-saving. Officials advise moving the person to a shaded or cool area immediately, loosening tight clothing, and cooling the body using a damp cloth or cold compress.

If the person is conscious, small sips of water or oral rehydration solutions may help. However, in cases of unconsciousness, seizures, or persistent vomiting, medical help should be sought without delay.

Prevention remains key

Doctors stress that preventive measures can significantly reduce risk. Staying hydrated, wearing loose cotton clothing, and avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat hours are among the simplest yet most effective strategies.

For those who must work outdoors, frequent breaks in shaded areas and regular intake of fluids are essential. Experts also recommend avoiding alcohol and excessive caffeine during extreme heat.

Protecting vulnerable groups

Special care is advised for children and the elderly. Keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated, ensuring regular fluid intake, and limiting outdoor exposure during the hottest part of the day can help prevent complications.

Caregivers are also urged to watch for signs of weakness or unusual fatigue, which may indicate early heat-related stress.

Looking ahead

With forecasts indicating continued high temperatures in the coming weeks, authorities are expected to step up public awareness campaigns around heat safety. The focus remains on early recognition of heatstroke symptoms and prompt intervention.

Health experts reiterate that while heatstroke is preventable, it can quickly turn fatal if ignored — making awareness and timely action critical during the ongoing summer heatwave.