It is the summer season when temperatures rise in the Northern Hemisphere. It feels like only yesterday, it was winter and people were coping with the harsh cold. Now, after the pleasant spring, flowers have budded and leaves have sprouted as the summer season reaches its peak. It is remarkable how the world adjusts to changing weather and its intricacies. In contrast to winter, in summer, people wear lighter clothes, sip chilled drinks, carry an umbrella when heading outdoors, relax by the pool, etc.
Along with the heat, there comes torrential rainfall as well. And it gets especially hot before the advent of the monsoon season. Here again, one can see how the cycle of seasons is inevitable. Summer means cold drinks, chilled desserts, a blast of the fan or air conditioning and even staying indoors while the mercury climbs. This season might be a favourite for many but in numerous regions it also means heat waves and hyperthermia that even cause human casualties. To counteract heat waves, schools close down until the monsoon.
Students stay at home and parents brainstorm ways to keep their children intellectually engaged. As a vacation time for students, it means a lot of screen time while fans blast on as parents watch exasperated. On the bright side, cups of iced tea are consumed along with seasonal fruits. Ice-creams sell out in record numbers. A dip in the pool becomes quite appealing. People prefer taking walks in the morning and evenings while remaining indoors in the afternoon to beat the heat. Social media gets flooded with summer-themed posts.
Foodie creators get busy making the most of the season, whether it is making a smoothie or ice cream, all the while filming for social media. People also try out new cafes and trending bars to chill with a drink. Then there are those who prefer piping hot coffee, tea or cocoa even in the sweltering summer. On the downside, summer might mean a question of survival for the poor and underprivileged population in the torrid regions, where one hears of death due to hyperthermia. In Tarai region, India and numerous countries worldwide, the season can be fatal due to heat waves.
Thus, one could say people experience summer differently, depending on where they are located, their nationality and even their class status. For some, it could be a series of fun-filled moments, while for others it could mean blistering heat waves that lay woeful problems due to surging mercury. Sadly, heat waves are becoming increasingly problematic as they tend to be quite erratic, which is why preparedness is essential beforehand.
Measures such as installing natural cooling systems and ventilation in buildings, propping water coolers around the cities, planting green vegetation, distributing water bottles, reducing the price of fans and even ensuring a steady supply of electricity can make a huge difference. It means people get respite from the heat and can manage the unease that comes with soaring mercury. Summer is undoubtedly a season of heat and humidity but it can be pleasant enough if one can manage its nuisances while focusing on the appealing aspects. With appropriate measures, it can be a time to travel, if possible or stay home and enjoy seasonal treats and delights with family and friends.