India is currently experiencing a heatwave with temperatures in regions like Delhi-NCR reaching over 40°C, even as summer is just beginning. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings forecasting unusually high temperatures and an increased number of heatwave days from April to June, with some areas expected to face temperatures surpassing 45°C. Regions in East, Central, and Northwest India are predicted to be particularly affected as the effects of El Niño heighten heat stress throughout the country.

Experts agree that the dangers of extreme heat extend beyond mere discomfort, acting as a slow and often unrecognised threat to health. Understanding how the body reacts to intense heat is essential to grasping its potential fatal consequences. Our bodies are designed to maintain a stable temperature, primarily through sweating and increased blood flow to the skin. However, under extreme conditions, these mechanisms are often overwhelmed.

According to medical professionals, the average core body temperature is around 37°C, with values rising above 41°C classified as a medical emergency. Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, noted that extremely high temperatures disrupt the body’s self-regulatory abilities, leading to severe health risks. As sweat becomes less effective due to high humidity, the body struggles to cool itself down.

Health Consequences of Extreme Heat

The internal balance of the body can deteriorate rapidly in extreme heat. Blood is redirected to the skin to release excess warmth, which can deprive vital organs of necessary blood circulation. Dr Tayal illustrated this by describing how excessive sweating leads to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, ultimately weakening cardiovascular health. As hydration decreases, blood thickens, adding strain to the heart. Reduced circulation to the brain can result in dizziness and confusion, raising serious health concerns.

Dr Seema Dhir, a senior internal medicine specialist at Artemis Hospital, emphasised the seriousness of heat when the body can no longer control its temperature. High humidity exacerbates the situation, preventing sweat evaporation, which leads to a dangerous rise in core body temperature. Signs such as confusion and loss of consciousness are indicative of critical danger. Heat, in these cases, evolves into a physiological emergency.

Medical experts categorise the lethal effects of heat primarily into three mechanisms: dehydration, cardiac stress, and organ failure. These processes often overlap and can unfold concurrently. Initiating with dehydration, continuous sweating can lead to a severe drop in blood volume, hampering circulation. The strain on the heart increases, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions, potentially leading to heart attacks. Lastly, vital organ failure can ensue as the body’s circulatory efficiency deteriorates.

Underreporting and Risk Factors

Official statistics regarding heat-related fatalities in India indicate a fragmented narrative. Between 2000 and 2020, the National Crime Records Bureau documented over 20,000 deaths attributed to heatstroke, while the National Disaster Management Authority reported nearly 18,000 heatwave-related deaths. In contrast, figures from the meteorological department noted just over 10,000 deaths, shedding light on potential underreporting issues.

Heat is rarely identified as the sole cause of death, often exacerbating underlying health issues like cardiac diseases and respiratory illnesses, complicating the task of determining direct causal links. Consequently, the actual toll of excessive heat might be significantly higher than official numbers suggest.

Additionally, high temperatures have been linked to increased instances of secondary illnesses. Elevated heat levels can accelerate bacterial proliferation in food and water, raising the likelihood of gastrointestinal infections. Such conditions, combined with dehydration, can present severe risks to vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

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