Heatwave conditions likely during election season, warns IMD

Heat Waves

• A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season typically between March and June and even extends till July.

• The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions adversely affect people as they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting in death.

• IMD Criteria for Heat Waves

• Heat waves need not be considered till the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.

• For Coastal stations, when maximum temperature departure is 4.5°C or more from normal, Heat wave may be described provided the actual maximum temperature is 37°C or more.

• Based on Actual Maximum Temperature:

• Heatwave: When the actual maximum temperature reaches or exceeds 45°C .

• Severe Heatwave: When the actual maximum temperature reaches or exceeds 47°C .

• Based on Departure from Normal Temperature:

• Heatwave: A departure from normal maximum temperature of 4.5°C to 6.4°C for at least two consecutive days.

• Severe Heatwave: A departure from normal maximum temperature exceeding 6.4°C for at least two consecutive days.

• The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke.