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Hyderabad: Issuing a heat wave warning, the Indian Meteorological Department on Thursday said that heat wave conditions would prevail in the districts of Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur and Krishna of Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda, Medak and Hyderabad of Telangana in the next two days.

The mercury kept rising on Thursday and reached 47 degree Celsius at many places in the state including Rentachintala (47.1C), Ramagundam (46.8C) and Bapatla (46.6C).

Hyderabad recorded 43.4C, while thickly-populated parts, according to experts, would have felt the heat more due to traffic, generators and lack of cross ventilation. Also, Nizamabad logged 45.6C, Kawal recorded 45.5C, Ongole boiled at 45.9C, and Machilipatnam and Ongole simmered at 45C.

IMD experts, speaking to this newspaper, said the temperatures are all set to spiral higher till the end of May — or more precisely, till the onset of monsoon — especially in Telangana and a significant chunk of Coastal Andhra. Officials hinted that predicted highest temperature of 48C for the season may be just around the corner.

Meanwhile, the soaring temperatures are leading to skin burns and dehydration. Cases of dehydration at private clinics in the city have risen from 10 per day to 25 per day. “An adult should drink three to four litres of water a day in summer to keep dehydration at bay,” said dermatologist Dr C. Uma.

“The heat outside and less consumption of water increases the body temperature, resulting in heat stroke. Symptoms like dryness in the mouth, dark or less urine production, headache and fatigue are the first indications of the body running low on fluids, she said. Another indication of the body being dehydrated is a lack of elasticity in the skin.

Those suffering from diabetes, kidney disorders or glandular disorders must take special care as their body fluids are lost quickly due to the heat and dehydration. If unchecked, it can cause kidney failure.

Dr Srirang Abkari of Global Hospitals said, “When it is found that oral dihedral liquids are not working, the person must take immediate medical care. Intravenous dihedral liquids are required to be administered or it can lead to kidney failure, and death too. 

The body reacts strongly to heat, which can lead to complications. Proper preventive measures should be taken in summer.” Children and the elderly, especially, must ensure sufficient intake of water and fluids, he warned.

Skin specialists, describing the affects of the harsh sun on the skin, said rashes appear as red and dark blue patches and the skin peels in severe cases, especially on the hands and face. Moisturisers can stop this to an extend, they said.

According to Dr Uma, those with sensitive skin could use coconut oil as a moisturiser, consume plenty of fresh fruit and keep their water intake high.

Precautions that go a long way:

1) Avoid going out between 12 noon and 4 pm as the hot air causes skin burns and also leads to dehydration.

2) Apply sunscreen before going out. Once you are in a cool place, creams or oils can be applied to restore moisture to the skin.

3) Wear a hat or scarf and carry an umbrella. Wear light coloured and loose clothes.

4) Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the daytime as they have a dehydrating effect.

5) Carry a bottle of water.

Youth dies of sunstroke in bus

Karimnagar: A 17-year-old student in a bus died due to sunstroke on Thursday.

The deceased, Challa Rakesh Reddy was returning home from Warangal in an RTC bus after writing his Intermediate supplementary examination, when he began to feel uneasy at Huzurabad. He called up his father, Ramesh Reddy, to tell him he was not feeling well.

The agitated father told him that he would pick him up at Kotirampur in the town. However, when his father arrived at the bus stand, Rakesh was found dead in his seat.

Karimnagar and other parts of north Telangana have been experiencing a blistering heatwave with temperatures reaching 460C on Thursday.

At least two other persons — one at Timmapur and another at Choppadandi — died of sunstroke here on Thursday.