India heatwave 2026: Dos and don'ts for professionals commuting for work

India’s 2026 summer has arrived early and aggressively, with heatwave conditions affecting large parts of the country and temperatures crossing dangerous levels in several regions.

According to recent advisories and weather updates, commuting during peak hours has become a serious health risk rather than just an inconvenience.

From packed metro platforms to long traffic signals under direct sun, daily travel now exposes millions to dehydration, fatigue, and heat stress.

In such conditions, knowing how to travel safely is no longer optional - it is essential.

Dos for commuters traveling for work

1. Stay hydrated consistently - carry a water bottle at all times (add electrolytes)

During a heatwave, your body loses water much faster through sweat - even if you don’t feel very active.

That’s why waiting until you feel thirsty is already too late. The better approach is to drink small amounts of water regularly throughout the day, especially before and during travel.

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Carrying a reusable bottle helps, but what matters more is consistency. In very hot conditions, adding electrolyte drinks or ORS occasionally can also help replace lost salts and prevent fatigue or dizziness.

2. Forget business suits, dress in heat-appropriate clothing

Clothing plays a bigger role in heat safety than most people realise. Light-coloured, loose cotton fabrics allow air circulation and reflect heat instead of absorbing it.

Tight or synthetic clothing traps sweat and raises body temperature. A simple cap, hat, or even a scarf can reduce direct sun exposure significantly while walking or waiting for transport, helping prevent overheating.

3. Plan travel timings wisely or consider WFH

Heatwaves are most intense between midday and late afternoon, when the sun is at its strongest.

If possible, adjust your commute to early morning or post-4 pm hours, when temperatures begin to drop slightly.

Even shifting travel by an hour or two can noticeably reduce heat exposure. Where workplaces allow flexibility, staggered timings or hybrid working days can also reduce daily risk.

4. Use shaded and cooler routes

Not all routes expose you equally to heat. Choosing covered walkways, shaded streets, metro corridors, or air-conditioned stations can make a big difference.

Stay inside your office until your cab arrives or consider logging out post-sunset hours.

Even waiting under shade instead of direct sunlight helps reduce body temperature buildup before you even board transport.

5. Protect exposed skin from direct sun

Direct sunlight increases the body’s heat load quickly, especially during peak UV hours.

Using sunscreen, sunglasses, and head coverings reduces direct exposure and helps prevent both sunburn and heat exhaustion.

This is particularly important for people who walk or cycle as part of their commute.

6. Consider car-pooling or ask office for pick and drop

Carpooling or using office pick-and-drop services helps by reducing your exposure to extreme heat and making the commute more controlled and comfortable.

When you share a car or use an arranged transport service, you spend less time waiting outdoors at bus stops, stations, or traffic junctions under direct sun. The vehicle also offers shade and, in many cases, air-conditioning, which helps maintain a safer body temperature during peak heat hours.

It also reduces the need to switch between multiple modes of transport like walking, waiting, and crowded public transit, which collectively increases fatigue and dehydration risk in hot weather.

Don'ts for commuters traveling for work

1. Avoid heavy meals before commute + avoid street food, untreated water/ice

Heavy food takes longer to digest and increases the body’s internal heat load. During extreme temperatures, this can make you feel sluggish, uncomfortable, and more prone to dehydration while travelling.

It is also advisable to avoid spicy, oily, or deep-fried street foods, as they can lead to acidity and indigestion. Hygiene is another key concern, as constant exposure to heat and sweat among vendors may increase the risk of food-borne illnesses.

The same goes with water. Carry a water bottle or only consume water from trusted brands. Exposing yourself to common public taps can put you at grave risk.

2. Don’t ignore early warning signs from your body

There are many common signs of dehydration that you shouldn't ignore.

Symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, or sudden fatigue are early signals of heat stress.

Ignoring them can lead to more serious conditions like heatstroke. If these signs appear, it is important to stop, rest in a cool place, and hydrate immediately rather than continuing your journey.

3. Don’t rely only on fans or ventilation in extreme heat

Fans circulate air but do not reduce actual temperature. In extreme heat conditions, they may simply move hot air around the body, offering limited relief and sometimes increasing dehydration.

Relying only on airflow without hydration or shade can give a false sense of comfort.