Rising Heat in Pune: PMC Releases Guidelines to Prevent Heatstroke

Pune, 11th March 2026: With temperatures steadily rising in Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has warned of a possible heatwave and urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from heat-related illnesses.

In an advisory issued to citizens, the civic body outlined several measures to prevent heatstroke and maintain good health during the summer. The PMC emphasised the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding habits that could increase the risk of dehydration.

According to the advisory, people should avoid consuming alcohol, tea, coffee and beverages containing high amounts of sugar, as these drinks can reduce the body’s water levels and increase the chances of heatstroke.

The civic administration advised residents to focus on maintaining adequate hydration. “Even if you do not feel thirsty, make it a habit to drink water at least every half an hour,” the advisory stated.

People who have to work outdoors have been advised to protect themselves from direct sunlight by covering their head, neck and face with a wet cloth or protective covering.

The PMC also recommended including fruits and vegetables with high water content in daily meals. Items such as watermelon, muskmelon, oranges, grapes, pineapple and cucumber, along with other locally available water-rich produce, can help maintain hydration during extreme heat.

Residents were also advised to keep indoor spaces cool by using thick curtains on windows during the day to block sunlight and keeping windows open at night for ventilation. The use of fans or damp cloths to cool rooms was also suggested.

When stepping outside, the advisory recommends wearing light, loose and cotton clothing. Using an umbrella or hat to cover the head and wearing sunglasses can also help protect against the harsh sun.

The civic body further encouraged people to consume drinks that help maintain electrolyte balance, such as oral rehydration solution (ORS), homemade lassi, buttermilk, lemon water, raw mango drink (aam panna) and fresh salads.

The PMC also highlighted certain precautions citizens should strictly follow. People have been advised to avoid going outdoors between 12 noon and 3 pm when the heat is most intense. Visiting rooftops or upper floors during peak heat hours should also be avoided.

The advisory cautioned against strenuous physical activities in direct sunlight and recommended avoiding heavy, high-protein or stale food during extremely hot weather. Wearing dark, tight or thick clothing was also discouraged.

Residents have been advised not to walk barefoot outdoors during the summer heat and to always wear footwear when stepping out. Cooking in poorly ventilated or closed rooms during hot weather should also be avoided.

The civic administration also issued guidance for the protection of animals and birds during the summer. Livestock should be kept in shaded shelters and provided with sufficient green fodder and drinking water. Workplaces should ensure the availability of cool drinking water for workers.

The PMC urged citizens to strictly follow these precautions to avoid heatstroke and stay safe during the rising summer temperatures in Pune.