One of the most noticeable consequences of El Niño is prolonged and intense heat.
Many people associate hot weather with discomfort, but extreme heat can quickly become a medical emergency. The body relies on sweating and blood circulation to regulate temperature. During periods of excessive heat, these cooling mechanisms can become overwhelmed.
According to Dr. Shankar Kumar Gupta, Consultant- General Surgery, ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, “El Niño years can also bring extreme heat with them that may lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or exacerbate underlying health issues like heart disease, respiratory illness, or diabetes. Children, older people, pregnant women and those who work outdoors are especially susceptible.”
Heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, weakness, nausea, headaches, and excessive sweating. If left untreated, it can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition in which the body’s temperature rises dangerously high.
The risk is especially concerning for outdoor workers, traffic personnel, delivery workers, construction labourers, and farmers who spend long hours exposed to direct sunlight.
The Indian government has repeatedly highlighted the dangers of heatwaves through advisories issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). NDMA’s Heat Wave Guidelines emphasise hydration, avoiding peak afternoon heat, and recognising early warning signs of heat-related illnesses.