Pune's municipal health department confirmed a noticeable uptick in patients suffering from respiratory ailments, dehydration and gastro‑intestinal complaints throughout February. Doctors at several city hospitals and private clinics said the number of admissions for these conditions has risen sharply compared with the same period last year, prompting officials to investigate the underlying cause.
The city, situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats, typically enjoys mild winter weather with daytime highs hovering around 25 °C. However, recent weather data show erratic swings, with temperatures soaring to the low 30s °C on some days and dropping to the mid‑teens °C on others. Such rapid changes can strain the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms, especially among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and outdoor workers.
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Local physicians attribute the spike to a combination of factors. Sudden heat spikes exacerbate air‑borne pollutants, aggravating asthma and other respiratory conditions, while the abrupt cooling periods increase the risk of viral infections. Simultaneously, high daytime temperatures accelerate fluid loss, leading to dehydration, and create favorable conditions for bacterial growth in food and water, contributing to gastro‑intestinal disturbances.
In response, Pune's health authorities have issued advisories urging residents to stay hydrated, limit exposure to outdoor heat during peak hours, and seek prompt medical attention for persistent coughs, fever or digestive upset. Mobile health units have been deployed to densely populated neighborhoods to provide free hydration stations and basic medical screening, while the city’s water supply department is monitoring quality to prevent contamination.
Public health experts warn that if the temperature volatility continues, the city could face a sustained burden on its healthcare infrastructure. They recommend that the municipal corporation integrate real‑time weather alerts with health outreach programs, and that schools and workplaces adopt flexible schedules to reduce heat‑related stress among students and employees.
