The district administrations in Noida and Ghaziabad have issued a heatwave advisory, cautioning residents about severe "loo" conditions expected to persist until May 22. Daytime temperatures have been hovering around 44 degrees Celsius, while night temperatures remain unusually high at nearly 35 degrees Celsius, providing little respite. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the heatwave conditions are likely to continue until May 25.
DDMA Advisory and Health Risks
The advisory issued by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) indicates that weather conditions will remain favorable for a heatwave in the coming days. The combination of humidity and intense heat could lead to dehydration, cramps, and heatstroke, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, laborers, and individuals with pre-existing illnesses, officials stated.
Rise in Hospital Cases
Hospitals in both districts have reported an increase in outpatient department (OPD) cases linked to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and seasonal illnesses over the past few days. Doctors in government and private hospitals noted a noticeable rise in patients complaining of dizziness, weakness, dehydration, and stomach-related infections. The administration has cautioned residents against venturing outdoors during peak afternoon hours, especially between noon and 3 pm, when hot winds are expected to intensify. Authorities also warned of an "urban heat island" effect in densely populated areas, where concrete structures trap heat and further elevate temperatures.
A senior doctor at the Noida district hospital said, "At least 200 patients have come to the district hospital affected by extreme heat. The number is expected to increase with adverse situations."
Precautionary Measures
The advisory urged residents to wear loose cotton clothing, cover their heads while stepping out, and drink water frequently. People have been advised to consume fluids such as ORS, coconut water, buttermilk, lemon water, and aam panna to prevent dehydration. It also advised against consuming alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and stale food during the heatwave period. Residents were urged to avoid strenuous outdoor activity in the afternoon and keep homes cool using curtains and ventilation.
Heatstroke Statistics
According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, of the 7,903 accidental deaths attributable to "forces of nature" in the country in 2024, 23.2% were due to "heat/sun stroke." Uttar Pradesh recorded 352 heatstroke deaths in 2024.
