Severe Heatwaves Affecting India

Exam-Focused Notes on Recent Heatwave Events in India

1. Current Heatwave Situation

• Parts of India are experiencing significant heatwaves, with maximum temperatures exceeding 5℃ above normal.
• Banda, Uttar Pradesh recorded temperatures of 47.6℃ and 45.6℃ in successive days.
• Heat conditions expected to persist into the monsoon, with the likelihood of more heatwave spells.

2. Heatwave Definition and Classification

• Per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a heatwave is declared when:
  • Maximum temperature is at least 5℃ above normal for two consecutive days.
  • A severe heatwave is declared when temperatures are above 7℃.
• Heatwaves are frequent from March to June, with some regions experiencing them even in February (2023).

3. Geographical Heatwave Zones

• Core heatwave zone: Northwestern and Central India, extending to Bihar and Jharkhand, characterized by persistent high-pressure systems.
• Affected regions include Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, where sea breezes are obstructed due to adverse wind patterns.

4. Economic and Health Impact

• Heatwaves are reported to affect 23 states, leading to high health risks including heat strokes and heat-related illnesses.
• The IMD highlights that historical data suggests an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves over the last 50 years.
• Heat action plans are implemented but with varying effectiveness; many heat-related illnesses and deaths remain unreported.

5. Climate Projections and El Nino

• A 2023 IMD report outlines a correlation between El Nino phenomena and heatwaves in India, with increased heatwave activity expected to follow El Nino events.
• Current meteorological forecasts predict an El Nino phase maturing between May and July, leading to below-normal monsoon rainfall and heightened risk of heatwave activity.

6. Legislative and Policy Responses

• Heatwaves currently are not recognized as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act.
• The Sixteenth Finance Commission has recommended including heatwaves in the list of notified disasters, which would permit state governments to access State Disaster Response Funds for relief and infrastructure improvements.

7. Recommendations from Heat Action Plans

• The heat action plans involve several strategies, including:
  • Provision of cool drinking water in public spaces.
  • Establishment of shaded shelters.
  • Revision of timings for schools, colleges, and offices to avoid peak heat periods.
  • Promotion of hydrating solutions and suspension of non-essential outdoor activities during high-temperature hours.

8. Long-term Trends

• Forecasts project that southern India may experience more severe heatwaves by the end of this century as climate change progresses.
• Increased occurrences of heatwaves are linked to shifting weather patterns and climate variability.

Conclusion

In light of increasing heatwave conditions and projected climate impacts, there is an urgent call for effective disaster management strategies, enhancements in policy frameworks, and the need for a comprehensive approach to public health and safety in heat-prone regions of India.