‘Heatwave to severe heatwave’ conditions forecasted in India 

‘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.