How to Beat the Heat? Follow Tips by Health Ministry

Heatwave is common during June and July in India. Summer in India typically occurs from March to June, with the peak temperatures in April, May, and June. India is known for its hot and dry climate during this season, although certain regions may have variations in weather patterns.

During summer, temperatures can soar to extreme levels, especially in the northern and central parts of the country. In cities like Delhi, temperatures can reach as high as 40-47 degrees Celsius. Coastal areas, such as Mumbai and Chennai, experience relatively high humidity along with hot temperatures. The southern part of India, particularly states like Kerala and Karnataka, generally have a more moderate climate during summer due to the proximity to the ocean and the influence of the southwest monsoon.

To cope with the intense heat, people in India take various measures such as staying indoors during the hottest hour of the day, using air conditioning or fans, drinking plenty of fluids, and wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. It is also common for people to consume cooling beverages like buttermilk, lemonade, and coconut water.

While summer in India can be challenging due to the heat, it is also a time when schools have summer vacations, and people take the opportunity to visit hill stations and other cooler destinations. Hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling, and Ooty are popular tourist destinations during this time, offering respite from the scorching heat in the plains. Keeping this in mind, the Ministry of Health shared a few food guidelines and practices during heatwave time using the hashtag BeatTheHeat.

Health Ministry’s Food Practices & Guidelines To Stay Cool During Heatwave

Here are a few food practices and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health to be followed during the heatwave period.

Open windows and doors while cooking

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare suggests opening doors and windows while working in the kitchen area so that the air can be circulated properly and also to avoid stuffiness and suffocation.  

Not to cook in the peak summer hours

The guidelines say that it can be best to avoid cooking during peak summer hours, especially during the mid-morning or afternoon to be healthy and avoid illness.

Avoid eating stale or expired foods

The Health Ministry of India also suggests taking extra caution while choosing what to eat. It also suggests paying attention to products’ date of manufacturing and expiry date and consuming protein-rich foods.

Do not consume soft drinks, alcohol, or caffeine

It is much more important to stay hydrated during the summer but the health ministry suggests avoiding soft drinks, alcohol, or caffeine as such drinks make the body lose more fluid. Hence, such drinks or any other carbonated soft drinks are not ideal during the summer.