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Recently, Heat Wave Conditions observed in isolated pockets over Gangetic West Bengal, coastal Odisha, Saurashtra & Kutch according to the National Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Heat Waves
- A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western parts of India in the month March to June.
- Factors: The possible factors responsible for Heat Waves include shifting of jet streams, El-Nino and La-Nina, anthropogenic factors like heat islands etc.
Criteria To Define Heat Waves
- The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided the following criteria to define Heat Waves:
- Heat Wave need not be considered till the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.
- When the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C, then an increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition.
- Further, an increase of 7°C or more from the normal temperature is considered as severe heat wave condition.
- When the normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C, then an increase of 4°C to 5°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition.
- Further, an increase of 6°C or more is considered as severe heat wave condition.
- When the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves should be declared.
Image Courtesy: News18
Implications of Heat Waves
- It leads to physiological stress, which sometimes can claim human life.
- Exposure to heatwaves compromises the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in a cascade of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia.
- It affects the transmission of diseases, health service delivery, air quality, and critical social infrastructures such as energy, transport, and water.
Strategies To Address Heat Waves
- Establishment of Early Warning System and Inter-Agency Coordination for prediction of heatwaves and issuance of alert.
- Public Awareness and community outreach to increase public awareness on how to protect against extreme heat through different mediums.
- Capacity building and training programme for health care professionals at different levels to recognize and respond to heatwave related illnesses.
- Collaboration with non-government organisations (NGOs) and civil society to provide support in distress situations.
Additional information
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