Heat Stress Alert: Why Delhi-NCR Schoolchildren Are at Risk After Schools Reopened

As

schools reopen across Delhi-NCR, children are returning to classrooms amid hot, humid weather and a delayed monsoon, creating ideal conditions for heat stress, dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. Health experts warn that long school commutes, morning assemblies, outdoor sports and poorly ventilated classrooms can significantly increase the risk of heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heat stroke. With children spending several hours away from home, parents and schools must work together to ensure they remain safe during this prolonged spell of extreme weather.Also read: A Single Blood Test for 10 Cancers? India Makes Early Detection More Accessible

Why are children more vulnerable to heat stress?

According to Dr. Brunda M. S., Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses because their bodies are still developing and are less efficient at regulating body temperature than adults. High humidity makes the situation worse by preventing sweat from evaporating properly. Since sweating is the body's natural cooling mechanism, reduced evaporation causes body temperature to rise more quickly, increasing the risk of overheating. “Long hours of travel, morning assemblies, outdoor activities and inadequate hydration can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, headaches, poor concentration and, in severe cases, heat stroke if early warning signs are ignored,” he said. Dr. Sujatha Thyagarajan, Lead & Head of Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency at Aster Whitefield Hospital, adds that younger children often fail to recognize early symptoms or may struggle to communicate how they feel, making close supervision essential. “If a child looks unusually slow, seems confused, shows a very high body temperature, or loses consciousness, then getting immediate medical attention is essential, she said.

Why are schoolchildren facing greater heat stress risk?

The delayed arrival of the monsoon has left Delhi-NCR experiencing persistently high temperatures coupled with uncomfortable humidity. Schoolchildren may be exposed to heat through:

• Long bus or auto-rickshaw commutes
• Morning assemblies under direct sunlight
• Outdoor physical education classes and sports
• Limited access to drinking water
• Poorly ventilated classrooms
• Heavy school uniforms and backpacks

These conditions can quickly lead to dehydration, especially if children are not drinking enough fluids throughout the day. “Parents and educators should treat heat safety as seriously as any other kind of health risk,” Dr. Thygarajan added.

Early warning signs parents and teachers should not ignore

Recognizing symptoms early can prevent serious complications. Watch out for excessive sweating, thirst and dry mouth, headache, dizziness, fatigue or unusual tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and flushed or hot skin. More severe warning signs include:

• Confusion
• Fainting
• Very high body temperature
• Rapid heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness

These symptoms may indicate heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention.

How hot and humid weather affects the body

Rapid weather changes place additional stress on the body. According to physicians, high humidity limits sweat evaporation, increasing the risk of overheating. Dehydration reduces blood volume, forcing the heart to work harder and leading to fatigue and dizziness. Extreme weather can also trigger respiratory infections, asthma and allergy flare-ups, and joint pains. Children with asthma, heart disease or other chronic illnesses face an even higher risk.

How can parents protect their children?

Simple preventive measures can make a significant difference. According to Dr. Mukesh Budhwani, General Physician, Apollo Clinic, parents should layer the kids wisely and prioritise hydration. “Wear adjustable layers to help your body adapt to shifting temperatures throughout the day. Also make sure to drink plenty of water regardless of the temperature; dry air and indoor heating dehydrate you just as fast as summer heat,” he said. “Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and eat nutrient-dense meals to keep your body's defences strong,” Dr. Budhwani added.

Dr. Brunda recommends that schools adopt heat safety measures during extreme weather. These include scheduling outdoor activities during cooler morning hours, reducing the duration of morning assemblies, providing frequent hydration breaks, ensuring classrooms are well ventilated, creating shaded waiting areas, and training teachers to recognize early signs of heat-related illness.