Heat Waves: Environment for UPSC Exams

Heat Waves:

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.
As per Indian Metrological Department(IMD):
Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches atleast 40C for Plains and atleast 30C for Hilly regions.
When normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40*C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 5C to 6C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 7C or more.
When normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 4C to 5C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 6C or more
When actual maximum temperature remains 45C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves should be declared.
Health Impact of Heat Waves:
Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39C.
Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating.
Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40C or more along with delirium, seizures or coma. This is a potential fatal condition

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