Severe Heat Wave in India: Here’s what you should know

Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season. Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July

In states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, temperatures have reached as high as 50 degree celsius causing distress.

Churu in Rajasthan recorded 50 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the district’s second-highest maximum temperature for May in the past 10 years.

The Palam Observatory in Delhi on Wednesday recorded the highest maximum temperature at 47.2 degrees Celsius

Heat Wave in India

If the area reports a maximum temperature above 45 degree celsius, a severe heatwave condition is declared. Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change.

It occurs when a system of high atmospheric pressure moves into an area and lasts for two or more days. In such a high-pressure system, air from upper levels of the atmosphere is pulled toward the ground, where it becomes compressed and increases the temperature.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that in order to declare a heatwave, the criteria should be met by minimum of two stations in a Meteorological subdivision, that too, for two consecutive days.

A sudden rise in temperature across the central and northern plains in India has been noted after the tyranny of cyclone Amphan ended. It is said that the cyclone was successful in dragging the maximum moisture from the South Peninsula, Bay of Bengal and some parts of central India.