Based in Delhi, where the summer temperatures often soar above 42°C, I am no stranger to the heat. As the sun sets and the world begins to cool, most people find respite in the evening hours. For me, however, my workday is just beginning. Working the night shift at a US based company, I’m used to unusual hours. But this summer, an unprecedented heat wave has made my nights more challenging than ever.
My shift starts at 6 PM, but the heat from the day lingers in my workspace well into the night. The air conditioner struggles to keep up with the soaring temperatures. Within an hour or two, the room becomes too cold. I start to shiver, realising the air conditioner has done its job too well. I switch it off, and almost immediately, the warmth starts creeping back. This schedule continues throughout the night, as I try to find a balance that is never quite there.
This routine affects more than just my comfort at work. Sleep becomes elusive. The constant temperature changes at work disrupt my body’s natural rhythm, and the stifling heat at home prevents me from getting the rest I desperately need. As the heatwave continues, I notice changes in my health and mood. I’m more irritable, my concentration wavers, and simple tasks feel overwhelming.
The experience teaches me the true value of a stable environment. Now, I yearn for the cool, predictable nights of Pune, where I was a few years ago and still cannot forget the cool breeze that was present throughout the year. The heatwave will eventually pass, but the memory of these difficult nights will stay with me. It’s a harsh reminder of how vulnerable we are to the elements, and how something as simple as a functioning air conditioner can become a lifeline.