Be ready for searing heat wave

BANGALORE: With the temperature shooting up in the city followed by mounting heat wave conditions, many hapless citizens have been complaining of dehydration and water borne diseases. The city doctors are advising citizens to stay indoors, especially during peak hours, and keep themselves well hydrated with more fluids like fruit juices, tender coconut, buttermilk and plenty of water. B Puttanna, Director, Meteorological Department has warned of further rise in temperatures during the next month and in fact asked the residents to arm themselves with umbrellas and head scarves while travelling during the noon hours (between 12 to 3 pm). The Director, however, has ruled out any incidents of sunstrokes but has alerted the possibility of break out of water borne diseases.The Director shared weather statistics of previous years when the city temperatures touched the scary proportions of temperatures as high as 35 degrees or more. “In 2004, the temperature in the month of March was 36.4 degrees Celsius in Bangalore city while Gulbarga recorded a high of 38.8.  Gulbarga recorded 46.1 in May 2010. and this time it is likely to shoot up,” said B Puttanna. The people of North Karnataka region are acclimatised to heat but any thing between 34 to 35 degree Celsius, the people of Bangalore are unable to tolerate .“In these conditions, the day will be as long as 12.54 hours, thereby, turning very hot and humid. In Bangalore, the temperature touched an all time record of 37.3 degrees in 1996 and this was due to rapid deforestation in and around Bangalore and now again, the temperature may touch scary heights,” he said.  He asserted that higher the population density,  higher the temperature. Bangalore is a good example where continuous deforestation has resulted in ecological imbalance. He said, “Bangalore and Madikeri will see fluctuation in temperatures due to the high altitude of these two regions. At the same time, North Karnataka will be experiencing high temperatures as witnessed every year.” However, he also claimed, “When the temperature is high during the summers, we can expect more rainfall during the monsoons. Hence, this is the right time for the BBMP to take up pre-monsoon work to ensure that the low lying areas are not flooded during heavy rains.” Consultant physician with Victoria Hospital, Dr Raveendra K R, said: “It is advisable to wear loose-fitting light-colored clothing during this periods of intense heat.” He also maintained that it is always advisable to avoid eating out in restaurants or small food joints.