Heat Waves: Environment for UPSC Exams


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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