As someone who loves being outdoors, Karachi’s sweltering heat and intense weather have made it nearly impossible for me to even walk down the street without sweating excessively, and feeling dehydrated and exhausted. And this is the case for most people in most parts of the country during summers, making it difficult for them to carry out their daily activities, commute or even manage basic tasks. Heat waves have become a serious and frequent problem each summer. Climate change is real and here.

Since there is no other option than to brave this harsh weather, we need to learn the ways to keep cool and safe when the mercury rises.

Dangerous effects of the heat wave

With children and the elderly being most at risk, heat waves can have devastating impacts on people. Constant sweating can lead to dehydration, which may cause dizziness and even result in fainting. Sweating, combined with an increased heart rate, can also trigger heatstroke, a serious condition that occurs when the body’s temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius and requires immediate medical attention.

Moreover, heat wave can cause other problems such as fatigue, nausea, cramps, kidney damage due less intake of water and various other complications that can worsen if left untreated.

Smart ways to stay cool

However, you can avoid the negative impact of the heat wave by taking precautionary measures and ensuring that you are actively taking care of yourself and your body.

Firstly, try to stay indoors between noon and early evening (when it is the hottest). Stay in ventilated and cool spaces. Secondly, try wearing light and loose clothes that make it easier for you to breathe and ensure that you do not feel uncomfortable in this hot weather.

Prefer wearing lighter colours like shades of light blue, yellow, green, pinks and white and avoid wearing darker colours as they absorb more heat.

Additionally, the use of sunscreen is vital for protection against the sun’s harmful rays before going outside, and if you can manage to wear caps and sunglasses, they will help you tolerate the heat more easily.

The importance of hydration

One of the best ways you can deal with high summer temperatures is by keeping yourself well-hydrated. Keep a bottle of water with you all the time so that you are always reminded to drink water just by looking at the bottle by your side. Interestingly, now there are apps available on the phone that send you reminders to drink water, so this way you can regulate your water intake.

Moreover, you can also try hydrating yourself with fun, cool drinks that are easy to make, such as lemonade, fresh juices, smoothies or whatever you like. Just be sure to keep drinking fluids that keep you hydrated!

Fruits are your best friend

During this season, try to avoid all the oily and greasy food items, such as samosas, and other fried and spicy foods. Instead, you should try having at least one to three servings of fruits each day that will keep you refreshed and energetic, such as watermelons, melons, apples, or any fruits that are available.

Focus on indoor activities

If you are wondering what you can do while staying indoors during your summer holidays to avoid the heat, then we’ve got some suggestions for you. You can try taking up some hobbies, such as learning a new skill like baking, stitching or painting. You can also try some DIY crafts that might keep you engaged and also serve as a great gift for your friends.

A few board games with your family members might also be fun. You can also try enrolling in some free courses on the internet that relate to your areas of interest, like writing, math and science-related topics, or you can also start watching informative podcasts regarding your academic interests.

Eco-friendly tips to beat the heat

During this hot weather, it’s also important to not only take care of yourselves, but also to help others and look out for them. You can try planting trees in your street or neighbourhood and encouraging your friends to do so. You should also avoid using plastic bottles that add to plastic pollution and conserve energy by switching off unnecessary fans or light-bulbs.

Another helpful tip is to place bowls of clean, water for stray animals and birds outside your home or in your street, as they also suffer in this intense heat. Remember all your small and kind actions like these make a big difference in keeping our community safe and cool.

Signs of heat exhaustion and what to do?

In case you ever experience symptoms of a heat stroke or start to feel nauseous or dizzy, make sure that you immediately hydrate yourself. If there’s someone around you, inform them so they can assist you to react the nearest medical facility. Also try looking for a shaded area to rest in.

Splash your face with cool water, loosen any tight clothing and sit down for a while. It’s important not to ignore these signs because they can quickly turn serious. Always listen to your body and take breaks when needed, especially if you’ve been out in the sun for too long.

Some innovative ways to counter the heat

Many countries around the world are also experiencing intense weather, but they have incorporated various things to make sure they deal with high temperatures. For instance, many malls and parks in Dubai have installed cooling mist sprays along walking paths and playgrounds to keep visitors cool during the scorching summer months.

Similarly, markets and outdoor areas in Bangkok, Thailand, are also equipped with large overhead fans and mist systems that spray cool water vapour over shoppers. In Japan, people carry portable fans, cooling towels and even special ice packs that stick to your clothes to keep you cool.

If similar measures are also implemented in our country, it might become easier for a lot of people to cope with this extreme heat.

While the heat is extreme, there are always things you can do to take care of yourself, but don’t forget to stay well-hydrated and cool. Be sure to make the most of summer and do some fun-related activities even in this heat!

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 17th, 2025