IMD has predicted severe heatwave conditions in the Delhi-NCR region till Wednesday. Delhi and other parts of North India are experiencing temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius.
According to IMD, there are high chances of developing heat illness and heat strokes in all age groups.
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What is Heatwave?
A heatwave is defined as a period of extreme heat or abnormally hot weather in the summer season that can cause adverse impact on human health, the environment and the economy.
It is caused due to the prevalence of hot dry air in the region, the absence of moisture and also due to the El- Nino effect that raises temperature combined with the weather patterns.
El- Nino is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. During El- Nino years, monsoon rains are weaker than normal which can lead to droughts.
IMD’s heatwave criteria, maximum temperature
The Indian Meteorological Department has given the following criteria as India being a tropical country, is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves which has become more frequent in recent years.
According to IMD, there were 413 heatwaves in India between 1981 and 1990 whereas 600 heatwaves between 2011 and 2020. Global warming is the major cause of the increase in several heatwave days.
The set of criteria are as follows-
Plains: The maximum temperature recorded at a station is 40 degrees Celsius or more.
Coast: The maximum temperature recorded at the station is 37 degrees Celsius or more
Hills: The maximum temperature recorded at a station is 30 degrees Celsius or more.
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Preventions
Scorching heat can lead to physiological strain that can even lead to death. To minimise the impact of heatwave, IMD has given following measures :
- Avoid going out in the afternoons till 3 pm.
- Drink sufficient water.
- Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks that make the body dehydrated.
- Use of ORS and homemade drinks like lassi. Buttermilk, lemon water.
- If not feeling good, see the doctor immediately.
- Wear light-weight, light-coloured clothes.
Heatwaves are dangerous and even life-threatening. By understanding the causes of heatwaves, we can work better to prepare and reduce their impacts on human health and well-being.
About Author
Simran Akhouri, a postgraduate in journalism from University of Delhi. She has developed strong writing skills that allow her to convey stories. She is passionate in uncovering the truth and delivering it to the public in an engaging and accessible manner.
