India is already in the grip of an intense heatwave, with temperatures crossing 40°C and even touching 44°C in several regions. As conditions worsen, states such as Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have shut schools or altered timings to protect children.
According to the India Meteorological Department, heatwave conditions are expected to persist across multiple parts of the country, making this not just a weather event, but a growing public health concern.
Globally, extreme heat exposure was linked to around 296,000 deaths in 2018, as reported in Annals of Global Health — and the numbers continue to rise.
Why are children more vulnerable
Children are among the most at-risk during extreme heat. Their bodies heat up faster, they sweat less efficiently, and they often fail to recognise early signs of dehydration.
This makes them more susceptible to:
- heat exhaustion
- heatstroke
- severe dehydration
In cities where temperatures have already crossed 41°C, doctors are urging parents to take extra precautions.
Early warning signs to watch
Heat-related illness can escalate quickly. Warning signs include:
- unusual fatigue or dizziness
- headaches or nausea
- rapid heartbeat
- excessive sweating or no sweating at all
- confusion or fainting
Immediate cooling and hydration are critical if these symptoms appear.
How to keep children safe
Simple, consistent measures can make a significant difference:
Hydration is key
Encourage regular water intake, along with natural fluids like buttermilk or oral rehydration solutions.
Avoid peak heat hours
Limit outdoor activity between 11 am and 4 pm, when temperatures are highest.
Dress for the weather
Loose, light-coloured cotton clothing helps the body stay cool.
Keep indoor spaces cool
Use fans, coolers, or air-conditioning where possible, and block direct sunlight during the day.
Adapt summer diets
Water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber can help maintain hydration levels.
Schools are adapting but is it enough?
Across several states, schools are:
- closing temporarily
- shifting to early morning hours
- introducing hydration breaks
While these measures reduce exposure, they also highlight a larger issue heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense.
A growing climate threat
Heatwaves are now recognised as one of the most serious climate-related health risks in India. Rising temperatures are not only disrupting daily life but also placing vulnerable groups, especially children, at greater risk.
As summers grow harsher each year, protecting children will require more than temporary measures. It will demand long-term planning, awareness, and climate-responsive systems.