Extreme heat warning

Extreme Heat Warning has been issued by the IMD, highlighting the potential for severe heatwave conditions across various regions in India.

• This advisory comes amidst growing concerns over climate change and its impact on extreme weather events.

Climate Change and Heatwaves:

• The warning from IMD aligns with the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report in 2023.
• The IPCC’s 2023 report highlights the urgent need for action against climate change.
• Current carbon emission rates indicate a limited time frame of 10 years to offset emissions equivalent to a decade’s worth.
• Scientists warn that without immediate and strong measures, the world could face dire consequences, including heatwaves, droughts, food insecurity, and the spread of infectious diseases.
• The damage caused by global warming, even at just one degree above pre-industrial temperatures, has been more severe than anticipated, leading to disruptions in ecosystems and communities.

IMD’s Criteria for Heatwaves:

• IMD declares a heatwave when temperatures exceed 40°C in plains, 37°C in coastal areas, and 30°C in hills.
• Heatwaves are categorized based on departures from normal temperatures and actual maximum temperatures, with severe heatwaves occurring at higher thresholds.
  • Heat Wave: 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal temperature.
  • Severe Heat Wave: Above 6.4°C above normal temperature.
  • Heat Wave (Plains): Temperature ≥ 40°C.
  • Severe Heat Wave (Plains): Temperature ≥ 45°C.
• If these conditions persist for two consecutive days, a heat wave is declared.

Favorable conditions include:

• Transportation of hot, dry air across the region.
• Lack of moisture in the upper atmosphere.
• Clear skies, allowing maximum insulation.
• Presence of large amplitude anti-cyclonic flow over the area.

Impact and Mitigation:

• Heatwaves pose significant health hazards, including heat strokes, and strain water and energy resources.
• Agriculture also suffers, with potential effects on crop yield and food security due to wilting and early ripening.

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