TOI News Desk
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for several northern states, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the Jammu division, for both Wednesday and Thursday.The warning also extends to isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh on May 29 and 30.
Here is an FAQs on heat wave based on IMD guidelines:
Q1: What is a heat wave?
A heat wave is defined as a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity, especially in oceanic climate countries. In India, a heat wave is typically characterized by temperatures that are significantly higher than the normal maximum temperature expected for that time of year. This phenomenon usually occurs during the summer months and is marked by dry and oppressive conditions that can lead to severe health and environmental impacts.
Q2: How is a heat wave classified?
The classification of a heat wave in India depends on the deviation of the actual maximum temperature from the normal maximum temperature for a given region. Specifically:
A Heat Wave is declared when the maximum temperature of a location surpasses the normal temperature by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days.
A Severe Heat Wave is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds the normal temperature by more than 6.4 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, a heat wave can be declared if the maximum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius or more, regardless of the normal maximum temperature.
Q3: Which regions in India are most affected by heat waves?
Heat waves most frequently affect the North-Western parts of India, including:
Rajasthan
Punjab
Haryana
Uttar Pradesh
Gujarat
Madhya Pradesh
These regions experience higher temperatures due to their geographical location and climatic conditions, which include vast stretches of arid and semi-arid zones. Coastal regions and urban areas may also experience intense heat waves due to the urban heat island effect and high humidity.
Symptoms and First Aid for various Heat Disorders
| Heat Disorder | Symptoms | First Aid |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Rash | Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches. | Take a shower using soap to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and seek medical attention. |
| Heat Cramps | Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles or extremities. Heavy sweating. | Move to cool or shaded place. Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. |
| Heat Exhaustion | Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale, headache and clammy extremities. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting. | Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloth. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water slowly and if nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention, call 108 and 102 for ambulance. |
| Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) | High body temperature. Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness or altered mental status. Victim will likely not sweat. | Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 108 and 102 for ambulance for emergency medical services or take the victim to hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try spraying water, cold water on body & fan the wet body. If possible sponging or wet cloth sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS ORALLY if the person is not conscious. |
Q4: What are the impacts of heat waves?
Heat waves have multiple adverse effects, including:
Health Impacts: Heat waves can lead to serious health issues such as heat strokes, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions. Vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk.
Agricultural Impacts: High temperatures can stress crops, reduce yields, and affect the quality of produce. Livestock are also susceptible to heat stress, which can lead to reduced productivity and increased mortality.
Water Resources: Prolonged heat can lead to increased evaporation rates, reducing the availability of water in reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater sources. This can exacerbate water scarcity issues.
Energy Demand: During heat waves, there is a significant increase in energy consumption due to the higher use of cooling appliances such as fans, air conditioners, and coolers. This can strain power grids and lead to outages.
Q5: What are symptoms of Heat Stroke(Sun Stroke)and its first aid?
Symptoms:
High body temperature: 106°F or higher
Hot, dry skin
Rapid, strong pulse
Possible unconsciousness
Lack of sweating: Victim likely will not sweat
First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 108 or 102 for ambulance services to get emergency medical assistance immediately, or take the victim to a hospital without delay. Delay can be fatal.
Move the victim to a cooler environment.
Reduce body temperature: Try a cool bath or sponging the victim with cool water.
Remove clothing: To help lower the body temperature.
Use fans and/or air conditioners: To aid in cooling down the victim.
Q6: What other measures can be taken to mitigate the effects of heat waves?
Individuals and communities can adopt several measures to reduce the adverse effects of heat waves:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages that can lead to dehydration.
Avoid Outdoor Activities: Limit outdoor activities, especially during the peak heat hours (10 AM to 4 PM). If outdoor activities are necessary, take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas.
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, and lightweight clothing to stay cool.
Use Cooling Techniques: Use fans, air conditioners, or cool showers to lower body temperature. Use curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight into living spaces.
Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Regularly check on elderly family members, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions to ensure they are coping well with the heat.
Public Awareness: Authorities should run public awareness campaigns to educate people on heat wave preparedness and response. Community cooling centers should be established for those who do not have access to air conditioning.
Q7: What role does the India Meteorological Department (IMD) play in managing heat waves?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) plays a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of heat waves by:
Monitoring and Forecasting: The IMD continuously monitors weather patterns and uses advanced models to predict heat waves. They issue forecasts and warnings to help the public and authorities prepare in advance.
Advisories and Bulletins: The IMD disseminates heat wave advisories and bulletins through various media channels, ensuring that timely information reaches all stakeholders.
Collaboration: The IMD works closely with other government agencies, health departments, and disaster management authorities to implement heat action plans and ensure coordinated responses.
Public Education: The IMD engages in public education initiatives to raise awareness about the risks of heat waves and the necessary precautions to take.