Whatsapp 93132-18734 For Details
Get Free IAS Booklet
Get Free IAS Booklet
Heat waves, characterised by unusually high temperatures, pose significant health risks, including heat cramps, exhaustion, and potentially fatal heat strokes. Nearly 90% of India falls within a "danger zone" from heatwave impacts. The IMD classifies heat waves based on departure from normal temperatures, with severe heat waves declared at temperatures exceeding 45°C. Factors contributing to heat waves include weather patterns, anthropological events like deforestation and industrial pollution, rising sea temperatures, and El Nino events. NDMA guidelines emphasize early warning systems, vulnerability assessments, and inter-agency emergency response plans. The Heat Index, introduced by IMD, assesses apparent temperature and indicates heat stress levels, aiding in heat-related illness prevention
Heat waves are periods of unusually high temperatures exceeding the normal maximum during the summer season, leading to physiological stress and sometimes fatalities among affected populations. Heatwaves are recognized when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and 30°C for Hilly regions. A heat wave cannot be declared if the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C.
For normal maximum temperatures up to 40°C, a departure from normal of 5°C to 6°C signifies a Heat Wave and a departure of 7°C or more indicates a Severe Heat Wave.
For normal maximum temperatures exceeding 40°C,a departure from normal of 4°C to 5°C is classified as a Heat Wave and a departure of 6°C or more is a Severe Heat Wave.
A Heat Wave is declared when the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or higher,regardless of the normal maximum temperature.
The Heat Index classifies the apparent temperature into different levels using color codes:
Heat waves have detrimental effects on human health, including:
Status in India and Worldwide:
Reasons why it is formed >