- IMD predicted that above normal heatwave days are likely to occur over most parts of south peninsula, central India, east India and plains of northwest India during April to June hot weather season.
- Heatwave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to the human body when exposed.
- IMD declares a heatwave when the temperature of a place crosses 40 degrees Celsius (°C) in the plains, 37°C in the coastal areas and 30°C in the hills. Further, it uses following criterion:
- Based on departure from Normal Temperature
- Heat Wave: Between 4.5°C to 6.4°C from normal
- Severe Heat Wave: >6.4°C
- Based on departure from Actual Maximum Temperature (for plains only)
- Heat Wave: ≥ 45°C
- Severe Heat Wave: ≥47°C
- Favorable conditions
- Transportation / Prevalence of hot dry air over a region.
- Absence of moisture in the upper atmosphere.
- Sky should be cloudless (allows maximum insulation over the region).
- Large amplitude anti-cyclonic flow over the area.
- Impacts of Heatwaves: Health hazards such as heat stroke; increase strain on water and energy sources, Food insecurity (as it can cause wilting, stunting or early ripening of crops), etc.
Key Initiatives
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