A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western parts of India. Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July. The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions adversely affect people living in these regions as they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting in death.
While Badu is taking a nap the volcano nearby starts to wake up... but don't worry, little girl is not far away!.
Criteria for Heat Wave
IMD has given the following criteria for Heat Waves:
Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches atleast 40oC for Plains and atleast 30oC for Hilly regions
When normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40oC Heat Wave Departure from normal is 5oC to 6oC Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 7*C or more
When normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40oC Heat Wave Departure from normal is 4oC to 5oC Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 6oC or more
When actual maximum temperature remains 45oC or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves should be declared. Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties.
Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties.
Health Impacts of Heat Waves
The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. The signs and symptoms are as follows:
Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39oC ie 102oF.