Heatwaves
Why in news : Recently, World Bank released a report regarding the increasing heatwave situation in India.
Findings of the report :
- From 2030, every year 160 million to 200 million people can be exposed to lethal heatwaves in India.
- Also 34 million Indians will face job losses due to heat stress related productivity decline by 2030.
- By 2037, the demand for cooling is likely to be eight times more than the current level.
- According to the same report, “climate investment opportunities in India’s cooling sector” can open an investment opportunity of 1.6 trillion dollars and creates 3.7 million jobs.
More about Heatwaves :
- Qualitatively, heat wave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to human body when exposed.
- India Meteorological Department issues following colour code impact based heat warning jointly with National Disaster Management Authority.
- Criterion for declaring heat wave : Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degree Centigrade or more for Plains and at least 30 degree Centigrade or more for Hilly regions.
- Based on Departure from temperature:
- Normal Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.5 degree Centigrade to 6.4 degree Centigrade
- Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.4 degree Centigrade
- Based on Actual Maximum Temperature Heat Wave:
When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45 degree Centigrade
Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47 degree Centigrade
If above criteria met at least in 2 stations in a Meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days and it is declared on the second day.
- Based on Departure from temperature:
- Criterion for describing Heat Wave for coastal stations : When maximum temperature departure is 4.5 degree Centigrade or more from normal. Heat Wave may be described provided actual maximum temperature is 37 degree Centigrade or more.
Syllabus : prelims + mains; geography and Environment- heatwaves
