Andhra Pradesh records over 300 suspected heatstroke cases as summer temperatures spike

Andhra Pradesh reported 325 suspected heatstroke cases between March 1 and May ‌19 – with roughly a ​third of them reported since the start of May.

Andhra Pradesh has recorded over 300 suspected heatstroke cases as temperatures spiked from the start of March to mid-May.

The State reported 325 suspected heatstroke cases between March 1 and May ‌19 – with roughly a ​third of them reported since the start of May.

Here are some details:

• Heatstroke is caused by body overheating which can trigger confusion, dizziness, nausea, seizures, loss of consciousness and organ failure if not ​treated promptly.

• Authorities have advised people to stay indoors between 11 am and 4 pm. Heatwaves and extreme temperatures are at their peak durng this time.

• State ⁠authorities advised people to avoid going outdoors between 11 am and 4 pm as "heatwaves and extreme temperatures are at their peak".

• Delhi and large parts of ⁠northern India are ‌also forecast to face "heatwave to severe heatwave conditions" between May 22 and 27, India's weather office ‌said on Friday.

• Two heatstroke patients have been admitted to a state-run hospital ⁠in Delhi and were critical, local media reported.

• Severe heat has led to patients with ‌diarrhoea and dehydration lining up at hospitals in ‌some parts of the country and triggered water shortages ‌in the western state of Gujarat.

• The India Meteorological Department declares a heatwave when the maximum temperature is at least 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the ⁠plains and ⁠30 C (86 F) in hilly regions, and is 4.5 C to 6.4 C above normal, or touches 45 C.

• The highest maximum temperature of 48 C (118 F) so far this year was reported in Banda in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh this week, local media said.

• India recorded ​more than 7,000 suspected heatstroke cases and 14 deaths between ​March and June last ​year. Over the same period in 2024, there were 40,000 suspected cases and ​110 deaths.

Delhi experienced searing heat on Thursday with the minimum temperature settling at 31.9 degrees Celsius, 5.2 notches above the season's average.

The India Meteorological Department has predicted a heat wave for the day and the maximum temperature is expected to settle at 46 degrees Celsius.

(With agency inputs)