Srinagar, July 18: With Jammu and Kashmir witnessing an intense heat wave and temperatures rising well above the seasonal average, health experts on Saturday advised people to wear appropriate summer clothing to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunburn, and skin infections.
An advisory prepared by Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, highlights the importance of choosing breathable, light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes during the summer months to help the body stay cool and comfortable.
The advisory notes that while Kashmir’s typical summer temperatures range between 18°C and 34°C, occasional heatwaves can push temperatures significantly higher, increasing health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, outdoor workers and people with chronic illnesses.
According to the advisory, cotton remains the best fabric for summer due to its breathability, sweat-absorbing properties and affordability. “Linen, cotton-linen blends and bamboo fabrics are also recommended as they promote airflow, dry quickly and help regulate body temperature.”
For people engaged in outdoor work or exercise, moisture-wicking sports fabrics can help keep the body dry, while lightweight merino wool may be suitable in certain conditions because of its temperature-regulating properties.
The advisory discourages wearing polyester, nylon, thick denim jeans, velvet and heavy woollen garments during hot weather, as these materials trap heat, restrict airflow and increase sweating, discomfort and the risk of skin irritation. Dark or black-coloured clothing is also discouraged during peak sunshine because it absorbs more heat.
It recommended wearing light-coloured cotton shirts, cotton kurtas, cotton salwar suits, chinos and cotton T-shirts during summer.
“Full-sleeved cotton clothing is encouraged to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, while hats or caps can provide additional protection from direct sunlight.”
The advisory also lists white, cream, beige, light blue, mint green, light grey and other pastel shades as the most suitable colours for summer, as they reflect sunlight and absorb less heat compared to darker colours.
Besides clothing, the public has been advised to wear loose-fitting garments, cover the head with a hat, cap or cotton scarf while outdoors, change sweaty clothes promptly to reduce the risk of fungal infections, drink plenty of water and avoid prolonged exposure to the midday sun.
The advisory emphasises that proper clothing is not merely a matter of comfort but an important public health measure.
“Wearing light, breathable fabrics can help maintain normal body temperature, reduce excessive sweating and minimise the risk of heat rash, dehydration and heat exhaustion.”
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to experience unusually high temperatures, health experts have urged residents to make informed clothing choices alongside staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.
“Simple changes such as wearing breathable fabrics, choosing light colours and protecting the head from direct sunlight can go a long way in preventing heat-related illnesses during the ongoing heatwave,” the advisory states.
