‘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.
