Thiruvananthapuram: Heatwave like conditions are likely to be experienced in Kerala during the pre-monsoon summer season from March to May. The average temperature in some of the areas may cross 40ºC and the overall increase could be to the tune of 0.5ºC. in the Indian peninsula. The coastal state was continuously showing warmer temperatures during the last few decades. Days have become warmer and nights less cooler.
Detailed observations of surface temperature show that the average surface temperature was warmer than the last few years. Heat-island effect is now common in crowded areas of the state. This marks the difference in temperature locally. This phenomenon is experienced in some areas with more number of high-rise buildings and less tree-cover. These areas would be considerably warmer than the open areas nearby. The sea surface temperature along the coast of Indian sub continent has risen alarmingly. Average sea surface temperature is around 30ºC and minimum is 26ºC.
This difference is not much and that leads to warmer temperature over the land. The sea surface temperature transfers heat to the atmosphere and thus adding to the already warm atmosphere. This change affects the formation of breezes. Sea breeze is essential to bring down the temperature over the land. In the day, the land heats up very quickly and the air above it warms up a lot more than the air over the water. The warm air over the land is less dense and begins to rise.
Low pressure is created. The air pressure over the water is higher with cold dense air, which moves to occupy the space created above the land. In the night, the reverse happens. The land quickly loses its heat whiles the water retains its warmth. This means the air over the water is warmer, less dense and begins to rise. Low pressure is created over the water. Cold and dense air over the land begins to move to the water surface to replace the warmer rising air. This pattern is affected because there is not much difference between the land and sea temperature.
Sea surface temperature, varies mainly with latitude, the warmest waters are found near the equator. Changes in sea surface temperature can affect marine ecosystems. The variations in ocean temperature can affect the diversity of a location, alter migration and breeding patterns of marine animals, threaten sensitive ocean life such as corals, and change the frequency and intensity of harmful algal blooms. Increase in sea surface temperature could also reduce the circulation patterns that bring nutrients from the deep sea to surface waters. Changes in reef habitat and nutrient supply can lead to declines in fish populations, which in turn could affect people who depend on fishing.
SUN BURN (radiation burn) and SUN STROKE (heat illness) may be experienced in Kerala during the summer months. There is a misconception regarding these phenomena. Firstly, both are totally different. Sun burn is caused by the exposure to the ultraviolet rays from the sun. Sun stroke or heat stroke is due to the failure of the body's natural thermostat resulting in an inability to cool itself down by normal means. Body temperature rises to 105.1 degree F. Sunstroke is a type of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a condition that occurs after exposure to excessive heat, also called hyperthermia. It usually occurs as a result of exposure to very hot surroundings. The onset can be sudden, resulting in unconsciousness in a matter of minutes. Workers should be cautioned about these phenomenon and those who work in the open should avoid direct exposure to the sun from 11.30 am to 3 pm.
Body system of cooling stops working and body temperature rises above dangerous levels. It is caused by heat exhaustion and hyperthermia. There is possibility of damage to brain due to increase in body temperature. Onion juice should be applied immediately after the heat stroke. Person affected by heat stroke should be given a mixture of roasted chopped onion with sugar and cumin seed powder mixed in a pan on heat. Such a paste should be applied to the area behind ears and on the chest.
Raw mangoes are boiled and then soaked in cold water. Pulp of these raw mangoes is to be mixed with cumin seeds, salt, jiggery, pepper and coriander along with some water. This mixture needs to be consumed to avoid symptoms of heat stroke. Sun stroke/heat stroke in your pets and other animals around us is a very serious condition and its onset can be sudden, escalating into an emergency situation in a matter of minutes. Keep water in small vessels or earthern pots in shades all around your house for helping the winged visitors. Never leave your pet in a car or closed vehicle.
Catching a heat stroke in its early stages can help prevent permanent damage to your dog's internal organs. Some signs of heat stroke include excessive or loud panting, extreme thirst, frequent vomiting, a bright red tongue, pale gums, thick saliva and increased heart rate. If heat stroke is suspected, remove the animal from the heat. Allow the animal to drink cool water. Do not force feed water. If possible, wet with a stream of cool water.
