With an intense heatwave currently going on and the temperatures soaring, your instinct to jump into a cool or cold shower only feels like common sense. After all, what could be more refreshing than icy water on a sweltering day? However, experts warn that this popular cooling strategy may not be as effective - or even safe - as many believe, especially during extreme heatwaves.

Large parts of the country are currently reeling under an intense heatwave, with temperatures already touching 42 to 45°C in several regions even weeks before peak summer. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that these are likely to persist across the north, central, and eastern parts over the coming days, with hot winds and warm nights adding to discomfort.

A cool shower provides instant relief but a this sudden temperature drop can trigger vasoconstriction

A cold shower delivers immediate relief by cooling the skin’s surface. However, this sudden temperature drop can trigger vasoconstriction, a process where blood vessels narrow. This reduces blood flow to the skin, trapping heat inside your body rather than releasing it.

In contrast, your body’s natural cooling mechanism relies on circulating warm blood to the skin and releasing heat through sweat. By interfering with this process, very cold showers can actually slow down overall cooling, leaving you feeling hot again soon after stepping out.

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During a Heatwave, your body is already under stress trying to regulate its internal temperature. Sudden exposure to cold water can shock the system, especially for older adults or those with underlying conditions. Potential risks include:

You must take lukewarm or mildly cool showers instead of icy ones. This helps your body gradually release heat without triggering defensive responses. A few other effective ways to stay cool include:

Your body maintains a stable internal temperature through a process known as thermoregulation. Gradual cooling supports this system, while extreme temperature changes can disrupt it.

A lukewarm shower allows blood vessels to remain slightly dilated, encouraging heat to escape naturally. It also avoids the rebound effect, where your body heats up again after a cold shock.

Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now