The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), an Indian government agency that looks after weather forecasting across India, has warned people against prolonged heat wave from April to June 2024. Extreme climatic conditions can severely affect the health of plants, animals, and humans alike. Understanding the meaning and learning how to overcome tough conditions is very important for everyone.
What is a heat wave?
A heatwave is a climatic condition marked by dangerously high air temperatures that can pose lethal risks to human health upon exposure. Its definition typically relies on specific temperature thresholds established for a particular region, either about actual temperatures or deviations from the usual norms.
According to IMD, a heatwave is acknowledged when the maximum temperature at a station reaches a minimum of 40°C for plains and at least 30°C for hilly regions.
| Departure from Normal Temperature | Criteria for Heat Wave/Severe Heat Wave |
| a) When the normal maximum temperature of the station is 40°C or less | |
| Normal | -1.0°C to 0.0°C |
| Above normal | 0.0°C to 1.0°C |
| Considerably Above Normal | 2.0°C to 3.0°C |
| Significantly Above Normal/Moderate Heat Wave | 5.0°C to 6.0°C |
| Severe Heat Wave | 7.0°C or above |
| b) When the normal maximum temperature of the station is more than 40°C (Moderate heat wave term excluded) | |
| Normal | -1.0°C to 0.0°C |
| Above normal | 0.0°C to 1.0°C |
| Heat Wave | 3.0°C to 4.0°C |
| Severe Heat Wave | Exceeds 50°C |
| c) When the normal maximum temperature of the station is 45°C or more for two days or more | The condition may be declared as Heat Wave |
In the April-May-June (AMJ) season, it's expected that minimum temperatures will range from normal to above normal across most regions of the country, except for isolated areas in northeast and northwest India, where minimum temperatures are likely to be normal to below normal.
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Temperature April-June Estimation
" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/fortaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Temperature-April-June-Estimation.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1" class="size-medium wp-image-2376" src="https://fortaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Temperature-April-June-Estimation-300x300.jpg" alt="Temperature April-June Estimation" width="300" height="300" /> Temp April-June Estimate (Source: IMD)
In the hot weather season of AMJ, it is anticipated that above-normal heatwave days will be prevalent across much of the south peninsula, central India, eastern India, and the plains of northwest India.
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Heatwave estimation April-June (Source:IMD)
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Ways to Protect Ourselves from Heatwave
Be prepared:
- Stay informed about the expected heat and humidity levels for today, this week, and this month to better plan outdoor activities.
- Keep an emergency kit at home stocked with essentials such as oral rehydration salts (ORS) packets, a thermometer, water bottles, towels or cloths for cooling, a handheld fan or mister with batteries, and a checklist for identifying and treating symptoms of heat stress.
- Know how to access assistance. Keep contact information handy for the nearest healthcare provider or ambulance/transport services.
Keep your home cool:
- Close curtains during peak daytime heat and open windows at night to facilitate cooling.
- Utilize fans and coolers if available.
Avoid the heat:
- Minimize outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, scheduling them for earlier or later when temperatures are cooler.
- When outdoors, apply sunscreen and seek shade or use hats and umbrellas for protection.
Stay cool and hydrated:
- Drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to prevent dehydration and overheating. Cotton attire is advisable for its breathability and sweat absorption.
- Carry a water bottle and a small towel to stay hydrated and cool, using the towel on your neck for added relief.
- Explore nearby heat relief or cooling centres in your community, including waiting areas at health facilities for temporary shelter from the heat.
Tips for Infants, Children, and Pregnant Women
| Do | Don't |
| Infants and Children | |
| – Regularly check for signs of thirst, sweating, overheating, vomiting, dry mouth, or headaches in your child. If they exhibit severe symptoms like high fever, dizziness, or rapid breathing, seek immediate medical attention. | – Administer medication to overheated infants without consulting a healthcare professional. |
| – Ensure your child wears loosely fitted clothing to prevent heat rashes and overheating. | – Leave infants and children in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces such as cars or rooms with closed windows. |
| – Monitor your child's hydration levels closely, as they may not recognize signs of dehydration or heat stress. Infants under 6 months should be exclusively breastfed, while breastfeeding mothers should stay well-hydrated to maintain milk production. Children over 6 months should drink water regularly throughout the day. | – Allow children to play outside for extended periods without supervision, especially during hot weather. Ensure they take breaks every 30 minutes during outdoor activities to prevent dehydration. |
| Pregnant Women | |
| – Schedule medical appointments and tasks during cooler parts of the day to minimize heat exposure for yourself and your unborn baby. | – Overexert yourself in hot weather. Avoid going out if temperatures exceed 40°C/104°F, and rest whenever possible. Share workload responsibilities with others to prevent overheating. Pregnant women can engage in low to moderate-intensity exercise, ensuring proper hydration and rest. |