WeatherAlert – Delhi Hospitals Report Increase in Heatstroke Emergencies
WeatherAlert – Delhi is witnessing a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses as soaring temperatures continue to grip the national capital under an orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Doctors across major government hospitals said that between 15 and 25 patients suffering from heat-related complications reached medical facilities on Friday alone, raising concerns over the worsening impact of the ongoing heatwave.
Hospitals Begin Reporting More Heatwave Patients
Medical experts said the number of people arriving with symptoms linked to extreme heat has started increasing steadily over the past few days. Health officials believe the situation could become more serious if temperatures continue to remain above normal levels.
Dr. Sanjay Sood, senior medical officer at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, confirmed that hospitals in different parts of the city are now receiving patients affected by the heatwave. According to him, several individuals have already shown symptoms associated with severe heat exposure, including dehydration, dizziness, unconsciousness, and heatstroke.
Doctors explained that heatstroke is among the most dangerous heat-related medical conditions and can quickly become life-threatening if treatment is delayed. Medical staff across emergency wards have been placed on alert as the capital braces for more intense weather conditions in the coming days.
Critical Cases Raise Alarm Among Health Experts
The seriousness of the situation became more evident after two patients with heatstroke were admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital earlier this week. One of the patients, a 24-year-old man, was brought to the hospital unconscious with an extremely high body temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dr. Ajay Chauhan, director and professor of medicine at RML Hospital, said the patient remains in critical condition and is currently on ventilator support despite receiving immediate cooling treatment and emergency medical care.
Another patient admitted later responded positively to treatment and is now reported to be stable. However, doctors warned that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures can rapidly worsen a person’s condition, especially among outdoor workers, elderly individuals, and people with existing health problems.
Heatwave Conditions Expected to Continue
The India Meteorological Department has extended its heatwave warning for Delhi until May 28. On Friday, Safdarjung, which serves as the city’s primary weather monitoring station, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.3 degrees Celsius.
Neighbouring regions including Noida and Ghaziabad are currently under a red alert, indicating extremely severe heat conditions. Weather experts cautioned that if temperatures continue to climb, hospitals may witness a further increase in emergency cases linked to heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid stepping outdoors during afternoon hours unless absolutely necessary. The Delhi government and IMD have also advised people to drink enough water, wear light cotton clothing, and remain indoors during peak heat periods.
Doctors Advise Immediate Precautions
Healthcare professionals stressed that early symptoms such as headache, fatigue, excessive sweating, nausea, and muscle cramps should not be ignored. If left untreated, these conditions may progress into heatstroke, which can affect the brain and vital organs.
Doctors recommended immediate medical attention for anyone experiencing confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, or unusually high body temperature. Hospitals across Delhi are also preparing for additional patient inflow as weather forecasts predict persistent hot and dry conditions over the next several days.
Public health officials said awareness and timely precautions remain the most effective way to prevent serious heat-related complications during the ongoing heatwave.