Delhi Braces for 45°C Heat: Health Ministry Issues Advisory as IMD Sounds Orange Alert
New Delhi: As the national capital grapples with a relentless heatwave, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi, forecasting that daytime temperatures may climb to a scorching 45 degrees Celsius.
The night-time minimum is also expected to remain unusually high, hovering around 29 degrees Celsius, providing little respite from the oppressive heat. This is part of a broader heatwave sweeping across large parts of northwestern India.
In response to the dangerously high temperatures, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on Wednesday issued a public advisory on X urging citizens to take preventive measures to safeguard themselves and their families.
The ministry stressed the importance of staying indoors during the hottest part of the day and following safe hydration and dietary practices.
According to the advisory, people should "avoid getting out in the sun, especially between 12:00 noon and 03:00 pm", when the intensity of solar radiation peaks.
The Health Ministry has further cautioned against physical exertion, advising the public to "avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon."
The advisory also provides practical tips for managing daily routines during the heatwave. Citizens have been advised to "not go out barefoot", as exposure to hot surfaces can lead to burns or heat gain through the feet.
For those cooking at home, the ministry recommends minimizing kitchen heat exposure: "Avoid cooking during peak summer hours. Open doors and windows to ventilate the cooking area adequately."
To prevent dehydration and maintain optimal health, the Health Ministry has issued clear dietary instructions. The public has been advised to "avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar."
These beverages are known to contribute to fluid loss and can worsen dehydration. The ministry also noted: "Avoid high-protein food. Do not eat stale food," as both may increase metabolic heat and raise the risk of foodborne illness during extreme temperatures.
Highlighting safety concerns, especially for children and animals, the advisory strictly warns: "Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles." Parked vehicles can quickly turn into ovens in the sun, posing a serious threat of heatstroke or death.
In case of suspected heat-related emergencies, the public has been instructed to take immediate action: "Call 108/102 immediately if you find someone with a high body temperature and is either unconscious, or confused." Rapid intervention is critical, as heatstroke can escalate quickly without medical attention.
The advisory is part of the ongoing #HeatWavePreparedness campaign spearheaded by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in collaboration with USAID and Jhpiego India.
The campaign aims to raise public awareness and minimize the health risks associated with extreme weather events through clear, actionable guidance.
With temperatures expected to remain dangerously high over the coming days, health authorities have reiterated their call for community vigilance and personal responsibility.
Citizens are encouraged to stay in cool environments, wear loose-fitting cotton clothes, and drink safe, clean water regularly to stay hydrated.
As climate patterns continue to shift, experts emphasize the need for long-term heatwave preparedness and community resilience. For now, officials hope that by following these timely advisories, citizens can remain safe and protected during this severe weather episode.
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.