Coimbatore is literally baking. And no, that’s not an exaggeration.
The India Meteorological Department has forecasted temperatures 2-3°C above normal in the coming days, prompting the Directorate of Public Health to issue an urgent heat advisory. Let’s be honest – it’s getting dangerously hot out there, folks.
The Harsh Reality
The sun isn’t your friend right now. Especially between noon and 3pm. That’s when it’s hunting for victims. The health department’s message is crystal clear: stay inside.
“These temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable, they’re potentially deadly,” says the Coimbatore Corporation health department, which is desperately urging residents to follow safety guidelines.
What’s the alternative? Heat stroke. Dehydration. Diarrhea. Not exactly a fun summer bucket list.
Survival Rules for the Scorched
Here’s what you need to know to make it through this heatwave:
- Stay indoors in well-ventilated areas
- Close windows and curtains during day, open at night
- Drink water every 20 minutes
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours
Got to go outside? Do it early morning or evening. Working outdoors? Take breaks. Lots of them. In the shade. With water.
What NOT to Drink
Forget about these during the heatwave:
- Alcohol (it’s not “liquid courage” against the sun)
- Coffee and tea (your body needs water, not caffeine)
- Carbonated drinks (they won’t cool you down)
- Sugary beverages (they’ll make you more dehydrated)
High-protein meals and stale food? Bad idea. They’ll make your body work harder when it’s already struggling.
City’s Response: Too Little Too Late?
The Corporation’s planning some relief measures. They’re setting up ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) corners at 32 Urban Primary Health centers. City police are erecting green nets at traffic junctions. The work should be done by early March.
“Thanneer pandal” (water stations) will appear at select locations. Drinking water tanks are coming to public areas. CCMC is also setting up green shades and buttermilk stalls.
But will it be enough? With temperatures climbing higher each day, these measures seem like bringing a water pistol to a forest fire.
Warning Signs
Feel dizzy? Got a headache? Seeing spots? That’s your body waving the white flag. Get medical help immediately.
Don’t walk barefoot – the pavement is literally hot enough to fry an egg. And speaking of frying, avoid cooking during the hottest parts of the day. Your kitchen will become an oven within an oven.
Bottom Line
Coimbatore’s heatwave isn’t just uncomfortable – it’s deadly serious. The city’s infrastructure is scrambling to adapt, but your best defense is simple: stay inside.
The scorching crisis outside your door won’t be beaten by bravado or stubbornness. Sometimes survival means knowing when to retreat. And right now, your cool, ventilated indoors is your best friend.
The sun will still be there tomorrow. Make sure you are too. For more local updates, visit Coimbatore Junction’s blog.
