STEAMY 38

STEAMY 38
No, it’s not about middle age becoming sexy again. The Met department warns that maximum temperature in the city in the next few days is expected to hit a record 38 degrees Celsius. Get ready for the hottest summer in history
DEEPTHI M R


The mercury is rising. A lot earlier than usual. Blame it on the hole in the ozone layer or the spate of tree cutting as part of haphazard road widening in the city, but Bangaloreans are already reaching out for their Oakley wrappers and sun screens.
The meteorological department has said that low pressure heat is slowly developing in the southern part of the state and will increase the maximum temperature to nearly 38 degrees Celsius in the coming days. The maximum temperature in the city has got as high as that only once, in 1931, and this year may see the phenomenon again in the month of April or May.
HOTTEST SUMMER IN HISTORY
One thing is for certain: Bangalore as the airconditioned city has already passed into the realm of myth. “The sun is getting closer to the earth now and this is the reason behind the rising heat. The minimum temperature was between 14 and 15 degrees Celsius till two weeks ago and it has increased to 23 degrees Celsius. The sun is in 23 degrees south latitude. Southerly winds will move along with the sun and bring hot air to the southern states of the country. Therefore, even Bangalore will see hot weather in the coming days”, said Dr A Muthuchami, Director, Meteorology. GERMS IN THE AIR
Experts say that this is the season for diseases. Speaking about change in weather, Dr Asha Benakappa, a general physician, said: “In this weather, people are prone to get diseases like cholera, malaria and typhoid. Keeping away from street food and contaminated water will help in avoiding these diseases.”
HARSH ON THE SKIN
Water and food borne diseases won’t be only worries. Skin ailments will be a common problem. “Skin is also affected in this weather and if one has not taken good care of the skin in winter, then there will be a lot of issues to face in this weather. In winter, the skin needs to be well hydrated as it will crack and get dry. The application of moisturisers soon after bath is necessary as this will form a thin filament of water in between the lotion and the skin. Now the skin needs to be protected from the harsh rays of the sun,” explained Dr Benakappa. “Skin will begin to peel as well for some, for which, mild soap is advised. As soap is made of washing soda and oil, a mild soap with more oil should be used. The harshness of the skin can lead to polymorphic light eruptions like boils or rashes.
So using full sleeve cotton clothes will help in protecting the skin. In a tropical country like India, where the rays of the sun are felt almost all days of the year, sun screens are essential during all times of the year although their benefits are marginal”, she added.
DOs
Drink lots of water
Drink lemonade if available
Use sun screen lotions on face and neck liberally
Drink boiled and cooled water
Eat leafy and green vegetable
Wear a cap or hat while going out in the sun
DON’Ts
Do not drink water which was boiled 12 hours ago
Do not eat street food
Do not leave skin eruptions un-attended
Do not leave your house without dabbing on a moisturiser or sunscreen lotion