UPSC Articles
‘Heatwave to severe heatwave’ conditions forecasted in India
Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-I – Geophysical phenomenon
In News:
- Recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted the heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over northwest, central and adjoining peninsular India.
- Increase in temperatures was observed in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra as well, triggering heatwave conditions
- The heat wave was due to dry northwesterly winds present over northwest and central India.
Important value additions
Heat wave
- It is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western and South Central parts of India.
- Heat waves typically occur between March and June.
- Heat wave is declared under these circumstances:
- An increase of 5°C to 6°C when the normal maximum temperature is less than or equal to 40°C.
- An increase of 7°C or more from the normal temperature is considered as severe heat wave condition.
- An increase of 4°C to 5°C when the normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C.
- An increase of 6°C or more is considered as severe heat wave condition.
- If the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature.
