Daijiworld Media Network – Raichur

Raichur, Apr 23: As an intense heatwave grips north Karnataka, at least 47 newborns have been admitted to the Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) with fever and severe dehydration, triggering concern among parents and health authorities.

Doctors said many of the infants, some only days old, were suffering fluid loss linked to soaring temperatures, with Raichur currently recording daytime temperatures between 41°C and 43°C.

Medical staff at the hospital are reportedly monitoring the babies round the clock, as the extreme heat takes a toll on vulnerable newborns.

Doctors said the most critical hours are between 10 am and 6 pm, when temperatures peak and dehydration risks rise sharply.

Health experts warned that dehydration in newborns can lead to complications such as jaundice and, in severe cases, may affect the kidneys and other organs.

Doctors have urged mothers to ensure regular breastfeeding and avoid exposing infants to the harsh afternoon sun.

Parents have also been advised not to take newborns outdoors between noon and 4 pm, dress them in light cotton clothing and keep them in cool surroundings as far as possible.

Officials said similar extreme conditions are being reported in other north Karnataka districts including Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Koppal.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has forecast a mix of brief rainfall and continuing heatwave conditions across the state between April 22 and 28.

According to meteorological officials, isolated rainfall was recorded in parts of Karnataka in the last 24 hours, with Mangaluru receiving the highest precipitation.

However, despite scattered showers, temperatures are expected to remain high, with some districts likely to touch 43°C in the coming days.

The IMD has cautioned that any rain may offer only temporary relief and heatwave conditions are expected to persist across much of Karnataka.