Kumari Palany & Co

Mercury soaring high in many districts of Tamil Nadu

Posted on: 28/Mar/2016 2:39:15 PM
In majority of the districts of Tamil Nadu, the scorching heat is on par with deserts. The mercury has been climbing steadily over the past few days with the daytime temperature touching 40 degree Celsius, three degrees above normal, over the past couple of days, making for scorching days and sultry nights. Because of this, people in Madurai, Vellore, Chennai and Tirunelveli are not able to walk in the roads. They cannot sleep because of sultry nights. Since the concrete buildings are getting warmer, more electricity is being consumed. Hence there are power cuts in the nights in some places.
 
During the last one month, there is severe heat in Madurai. Few days back two people died due to the scorching heat. The mercury will soar high during the months of April and May. Gandhigram rural university chemistry department Dr. B. Gurugnanam said, Only in certain districts there were heavy rains and floods last year. There was no rainfall in majority of districts. Because of this the ground water level and land water level has come down. 
 
Due to the infiltration of Ultraviolet rays, the agriculture will be affected due to various crop diseases including tip blight. In cities, the water level will be coming down and when it is dried chemical toxins will amalgamate with the soil. This will cause diseases because of increased proliferation of mosquito. 
 
The hot topic now is: how to beat the heat
 
Doctors and a dietician in Madurai have some good tips up their sleeve. It is recommended that old people and children must remain indoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. since they are more susceptible to fatigue caused by the scorching sun.
 
People must wear light-colored garments, preferably in cotton which absorb sweat.
 
Be it tender coconut or buttermilk, they must be fresh. A general tendency in summer will be to drink more than eat. Cucumber and onion in place of spicy food will keep the body cool. Take bath at least twice a day to prevent excessive sweating and summer boils.
 
Morning walkers should complete their exercise by eight. Drinking cold water soon after the exercise will lead to cold and sometimes rise in body temperature.