Kolhapur: The maximum temperature in Solapur soared to 40.3°C on Monday, rising by 3.4 degrees as compared to Sunday. Its minimum temperature was 20.8°C. Mukesh Raut, a working professional from Solapur, said, “It feels like a heatwave in the daytime in just the second week of March. Usually, temperatures above 40°C are seen in April and May, but has arrived early this year. People are stepping out only when absolutely necessary.”In Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara, maximum temperatures hovered between 36°C and 38°C, showing a rise of at least 2 degrees, while minimum temperatures ranged from 18°C to 21°C. The scorching daytime heat left roads deserted, and demand for summer coolers surged. Cases of heatstroke also increased.According to India Meteorological Department, Kolhapur recorded a 2.1 degrees rise in maximum temperature on Monday, reaching 37.1°C, while the minimum increased by 2.9 degrees to 21.9°C. In Sangli, the maximum touched 38.2°C after a 2.1 degrees rise, and the minimum climbed by 2.6 degrees to 20.8°C. Satara saw its maximum temperature reach 37.3°C after a 2 degrees increase, with the minimum rising by 1 degree to 17.3°C. Mahabaleshwar, the popular hill station, experienced a 1 degree rise in maximum temperature to 30.7°C, while its minimum jumped by 3 degrees to 19.4°C.Dr Pratik Yadav, a general practitioner from Kolhapur’s Shivaji Peth area, said the sharp difference between day and night temperature (diurnal temperature variation) is causing a surge in viral infections and heat-related ailments. “People are reporting heatstroke and related health issues. It is advisable to stay protected from the sun, drink buttermilk, and avoid ice-creams or direct consumption of chilled water,” he added.According to doctors, outdoor workers, delivery personnel, traffic police and two-wheeler commuters are among the most vulnerable. They advised such people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure during afternoon hours and use protective clothing as temperatures are expected to rise further in the coming weeks.Pune-based physician and diabetologist Dr Aditya Bari said, “Normally we start seeing heat-related patients after mid-April or towards the end of April and May. But this time we are seeing them in the first half of March itself, which is definitely earlier than usual.” Doctors said along with exhaustion, dehydration and stomach infections are also rising as people consume beverages from roadside stalls to cope with the heat. “There is an increase in dehydration as well as gastroenteritis cases. In hot weather, juices and drinks kept outside spoil quickly, and unhygienic storage can lead to food infections,” Bari said.
