Over India, a different kind of discomfort is settling in as the monsoon clouds dissipate. October, a period for fresh air and merriments, unexpectedly feels like an expansion of summer’s rage. In urban areas like Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow, individuals step outside just to be welcomed by smothering intensity.
What is October Heat?
The term “October heat” refers to the unreasonably high temperatures that several regions of India experienced during October after the southwest monsoon left.
Although the sky appears clear now, the high humidity levels continue to cause discomfort, creating a perfect storm. Temperatures frequently soar to 35–40°C in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, with little relief from rain.
Warm air persists at night, trapping heat inside buildings and making it difficult for residents to cool down. This leaves little time for respite.
Causing Mild Illness
What was once a brief transition period has turned into something far more severe, and the results are showing.
From the get-go, it seemed like the standard occasional influenza: sneezing, coughing, and mild fevers circulating among colleagues and families. However, what began as a mild illness quickly developed into a more serious condition.
How October Heat is Affecting Public’s Health
During the heat of October, prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause a variety of health issues, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those who already have health issues.
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion pose the greatest immediate threat to health in the heat of October.
How Indians are Tackling With This Heat
India’s reaction to the October heat is a blend of conventional practices, government drives, and local area-driven arrangements.
In rustic regions, individuals have long depended on strategies, for example, whitewashing houses, utilizing mud cottages, and developing yards to cool their residing spaces.
However, the sheer population density of urban centers makes it more difficult to escape the heat. The situation is made worse by the urban heat island effect, which keeps heat in buildings made of concrete and asphalt, making temperatures higher than in rural areas.
