Bhubaneswar, May 21: As Odisha faces increasingly severe summers, scientists and public health experts are warning that the real danger may no longer fade after sunset. While heatwaves and soaring daytime temperatures dominate headlines, researchers say rising night-time heat is quietly emerging as a major health crisis -- particularly for people living in densely packed urban homes with poor ventilation.

Doctors warn that the human body depends on cooler nights to recover from daytime heat stress. During sleep, the body naturally lowers its core temperature, regulates hormones and repairs tissues damaged during the day.

However, when nights remain excessively hot and humid, this recovery mechanism breaks down.

Experts say prolonged exposure to heat without relief can lead to dehydration, disturbed sleep, exhaustion, cardiovascular stress and even increased mortality.

Study Flags Indoor Heat Threat
A recent study by Delhi-based research organisation 'Climate Trends' conducted in 50 low-and-middle-income households in Chennai found alarming levels of indoor heat exposure during nights.

Researchers observed that many residents were sleeping in indoor temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius. In several cases, indoor night-time temperatures crossed 35 degrees Celsius — almost matching daytime heat levels.

The study warned that indoor heat exposure could pose a greater health threat than outdoor daytime heat because residents remain trapped inside poorly ventilated rooms for several continuous hours.

It highlights the need for passive cooling solutions and structural changes in low-cost housing in urban areas across India.

Night Temperatures Rising Faster
Scientific evidence suggests the situation could worsen significantly in the coming decades.

According to the 2020 climate assessment over the Indian region, India’s average temperature increased by around 0.7 degrees Celsius between 1901 and 2018.

While daytime temperatures have historically risen more rapidly, future climate projections indicate that night-time temperatures may rise even faster.

The report projected that by the end of the century:

The warmest daytime temperatures could rise by 4.7 degrees Celsius

The coldest nighttime temperatures could increase by up to 5.5 degrees Celsius

Scientists warn that warmer nights are particularly dangerous because they prevent the body from recovering from daytime heat exposure.

Urban Heat Island Effect Worsening Crisis
Experts say urban areas are especially vulnerable due to the “urban heat island effect”.

According to a report by 'The Indian Express', concrete buildings, asphalt roads and densely packed infrastructure absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night, keeping cities significantly warmer after sunset.

Researchers estimate that city centres can remain 4 to 6 degrees Celsius warmer at night than surrounding suburban or rural areas.

The increasing use of air-conditioners is also contributing to the problem, as cooling systems expel hot air outdoors, intensifying heat accumulation in crowded urban neighbourhoods.

Also Read: Mercury Soars Across Odisha As IMD Forecasts Continued Heatwave Spell

Traditional Odisha Practices Offer Relief
Climate researchers say several traditional practices commonly followed in Odisha may help reduce indoor heat stress naturally.

Some recommended low-cost passive cooling methods include:

Whitewashing roofs to reflect sunlight
Using clay water pots for natural cooling
Sleeping in cross-ventilated rooms
Using thin cotton fabrics during summer
Eating Pakhala, lighter dinners
Staying hydrated with curd-based drinks and water
Consuming seasonal fruits such as watermelon and cucumber
Avoiding caffeine and spicy food before bedtime

As Odisha continues heating up even after dark, experts warn that survival during future summers may increasingly depend not only on escaping daytime heat, but also on restoring the body’s ability to cool, rest and recover during the night.