India, May 21 -- As the capital swelters under intense heat, city hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients suffering from dehydration, exhaustion, dizziness and other heat-related illnesses, with doctors warning that rapidly fluctuating temperatures may leave people vulnerable to both heat stress and seasonal infections.

Delhi recorded the first heatwave day of the month on Tuesday, with dry winds and the searing sun pushing temperatures past 45 degrees Celsius. The weather office has issued an alert for moderate to severe heatwave conditions over the next few days.

The impact of the soaring temperatures is becoming visible in OPDs and emergency wards across city hospitals, with labourers exposed to the harsh afternoon sun reporting...