Bengaluru: Even as Bengalureans continue to complain about the rising heat this summer, the Bengaluru Urban district administration and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) have warned that temperatures could climb further to levels that may impact public health and trigger heat strokes.Going by the forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru city is likely to record higher temperatures in the coming days, Bengaluru Urban District Commissioner G Jagadeesha said. He has urged citizens to take precautions.“The public is advised to stay informed about heat warnings through radio, TV and newspapers. Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty, and wear light, loose cotton clothing, preferably white. When stepping out, use sunglasses, hats and proper footwear,” Jagadeesha said.He also recommended consuming homemade cooling drinks such as lassi, buttermilk, lemon water and sherbet. Water-rich fruits, including watermelon, muskmelon, oranges, grapes, pineapple, cucumber and tender coconut, have been suggested to stay hydrated.Vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those with existing health conditions — especially heart disease and hypertension — have been asked to exercise extra caution.Authorities have also urged residents to care for animals by keeping them in shaded areas and providing adequate water, while warning against leaving pets in parked vehicles.Meanwhile, clinics across the city have begun reporting heat-related illnesses, with doctors advising people to avoid stepping out between 11am and 3pm, when temperatures peak.“Rising temperatures can significantly affect the body, leading to dehydration, fatigue, muscle aches, fainting and even a drop in blood pressure. In severe cases, it can result in heat stroke,” said Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, lead consultant and HOD (internal medicine), Aster Whitefield Hospital.She added, “In case of heat stroke, the person should be immediately moved to a cool place, given fluids if conscious, and cooled using wet sponging, ice packs and removal of excess clothing. If the person remains drowsy, unresponsive or shows signs of low blood pressure, they must be taken to a hospital immediately.”———-Inset 1:Temperature may touch 39°CThe maximum temperature in Bengaluru has hit the 35 degrees Celsius mark over the last couple of days, with the Bengaluru City weather station recording a maximum temperature of 35.4 degrees Thursday. The weatherman said that while the same temperature range will continue over the next two days, in the upcoming weeks, mercury levels might shoot up.“As of now, the temperature has not deviated too much from normal, but Bengaluru residents are feeling the heat as the nights are also warmer like the days. However, in the next two weeks, the maximum temperature in the city might touch 39 degrees Celsius,” said CS Patil, scientist, IMD Bengaluru.———-How to cope with summer-Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty-Wear light, loose cotton clothing (preferably white)-Use sunglasses, hats, umbrellas and proper footwear-Stay indoors during peak heat hours (11 am-3 pm)-Use fans and take frequent cool baths-Keep rooms well ventilated-Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee
