Published Apr 09, 2026 | 5:53 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 09, 2026 | 5:55 PM
Health professionals stress the need for hydration and heat safety amidst soaring temperatures. (Creative Commons)
Synopsis: People have been advised to stay well-hydrated by drinking sufficient water even if not thirsty, and to use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or homemade fluids such as lemon water, buttermilk, and fruit juice. People have also been encouraged to carry water while travelling and consume seasonal fruits with high water content, including watermelon, cucumber, and citrus fruits.
The Telangana government issued a heat wave advisory on Thursday, 9 April, after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 2–3°C across the state over the next three days.
The Director of Public Health and Family Welfare urged citizens to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, particularly during peak afternoon hours.
Authorities have advised residents to stay well-hydrated by drinking sufficient water even if not thirsty, and to use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or homemade fluids such as lemon water, buttermilk, and fruit juice. People have also been encouraged to carry water while travelling and consume seasonal fruits with high water content, including watermelon, cucumber, and citrus fruits.
To minimise heat exposure, the advisory recommends wearing loose, light-coloured cotton clothing and covering the head with umbrellas, caps, or traditional headgear when stepping outdoors. Citizens have also been asked to wear footwear and avoid walking barefoot.
The government stressed limiting outdoor activities, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm, and staying indoors in well-ventilated and cool spaces. Residents were advised to keep windows and curtains closed during the day and open them at night for ventilation.
The advisory cautioned against strenuous physical activity during peak heat hours and recommends avoiding cooking during the afternoon. It also advised against the consumption of alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and carbonated drinks, noting that these can lead to dehydration.
People have been urged to avoid high-protein, salty, spicy, and oily foods, and to refrain from consuming stale food.
Health officials highlighted several danger signs of heat-related conditions, including nausea, vomiting, high body temperature (above 40°C), headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, and altered mental status such as confusion or seizures.
Citizens experiencing these symptoms have been advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest government health facility.
The state government said it has made arrangements across public health facilities, including special beds, intravenous fluids, essential medicines, and ORS sachets. These supplies are being distributed through frontline health workers such as ANMs, ASHAs, and Anganwadi staff.
Dr B. Ravinder Nayak, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, said the measures are aimed at ensuring readiness to handle any heat wave-related emergencies in the coming days.
