Heat Wave
Very high temperatures for several days can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Before
- Keep enough drinking water, ORS and lemon water at home
- Plan outdoor work for early morning or evening
- Keep curtains closed during the day to keep rooms cool
During
- Avoid going out between 12 PM and 4 PM
- Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothes and cover your head
- Drink water often, even if you are not thirsty
After
- Watch for dizziness, headache, nausea or no sweating – signs of heat stroke
- Move the person to shade, cool them with wet cloth and call for medical help
Thunderstorm & Lightning
Lightning is one of the biggest weather-related killers. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck.
Before
- Check the forecast before outdoor plans
- Secure loose objects on balconies and rooftops
- Charge your phone and keep a torch ready
During
- Go indoors immediately – a building or a closed car is safest
- Stay away from trees, electric poles, water and metal objects
- Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline phones
After
- Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outside
- Stay away from fallen trees and broken power lines
Heavy Rain & Floods
Heavy rain can quickly flood roads, low-lying areas and basements, especially during the monsoon.
Before
- Keep important documents in a waterproof bag
- Clear drains around your house
- Know the safest route to higher ground
During
- Never walk or drive through flood water – just 15 cm of moving water can knock you down
- Switch off the main power supply if water enters the house
- Move to a higher floor if needed
After
- Drink only boiled or bottled water
- Avoid contact with flood water – it may be dirty or electrically charged
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet
Cyclone
Cyclones bring very strong winds, heavy rain and storm surges along the coast.
Before
- Follow official warnings on TV, radio and mobile alerts
- Stock food, water, medicines and batteries for at least 3 days
- Move to a cyclone shelter if asked to evacuate
During
- Stay indoors, away from windows and glass doors
- Do not go out during the "calm eye" – strong winds return quickly
- Keep listening to official updates
After
- Go out only after authorities declare it safe
- Report fallen power lines and damaged buildings
Cold Wave & Fog
Cold waves and dense fog are common in north India during winter and can make travel dangerous.
Before
- Keep warm clothes, blankets and a safe room heater ready
- Check fog and flight/train updates before travelling
During
- Wear several layers and cover your head, hands and feet
- Never use a coal or wood heater in a closed room – it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning
- In fog, drive slowly with low-beam headlights and fog lamps
After
- Watch for numb, pale or blue fingers and toes – signs of frostbite
- Check on elderly neighbours and people living alone
Emergency Kit Checklist
Keep these items packed in one bag so you can grab it quickly in any weather emergency.
- Drinking water (at least 3 litres per person per day)
- Dry food that does not need cooking
- First-aid kit and regular medicines
- Torch with extra batteries
- Fully charged power bank
- Copies of ID and important documents in a waterproof bag
- Some cash in small notes
- Whistle to signal for help
- Raincoat or umbrella
- Warm clothes and a blanket
In an emergency
Emergency Numbers (India)
Stay one step ahead of the weather
Check the hourly and 10 day forecast for your city before you head out.