Radiant Reflections: Heat Wave in India 2024.

Is Heat wave killing you ? Discover the causes, effects, and lessons learned from the intense 2024 Heat Wave in India. Our comprehensive analysis offers insights into its impact on communities, environment, and economy, helping you understand the significance of this scorching event.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a harsh and arid summer over a majority of States in the country. Recently there has been severe weather alert of excessive heat in many cities of India. A heat wave is a period of abnormally hot weather, which generally lasts more than two days. The Indian meteorological department’s criteria for considering the arrival of a heat wave is when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions. High temperature in itself is not dangerous but the combination of high temperature and high humidity, referred to as the wet bulb temperature, is what makes heatwaves deadly.

CAUSES OF HEAT WAVE

• Global warming : Long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities. Global warming impacts weather patterns and results in higher temperatures.
• El Nino Effect : It is a phenomenon occurring in the Pacific Ocean it is related to the trade winds that flow from east to west. It increases the surface temperature of the sea affects the movement of monsoon winds in the Indian Ocean and causes a drought-like situation in the Indian sub-continent.
• Urbanization : Under various development programs for building smart roadways, and concrete jungles there occurs large deforestation that leads to the ‘urban heat island effect’. Buildings and concrete surfaces absorb and retain heat increasing the temperature that causes heat waves.

MAJOR IMPACTS OF HEAT STRESS

• Heatwaves can result in serious harm to health, leading to sun strokes and diarrhea due to dehydration.
• Forest fire, endangering wildlife and environmental greenery. Forest Survey of India has estimated that 21.4 percent (1,524,21sq. km) area under forest is vulnerable to forest fires.
• Extreme heat can impact livestock and crops resulting in an acute shortage of food and livelihood securities under threat.
• Due to the drying of water bodies and a decrease in the groundwater level several regions in India become prone to scarcity of water. It intensifies the water crises in several regions, especially in arid and semi-arid areas.

HEATWAVE SAFETY TIPS :

• Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m.
• Drink sufficient water as often as possible, even if not thirsty.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose, and porous cotton clothes. Use protective goggles, an umbrella/hat, shoes, or chappals while going out in the sun.
• Avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is very high. Avoid working outside between 12 noon and 3 p.m.
• Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, Torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. which helps to rehydrate the body.
• While traveling, carry water with you.
• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrate the body.

THE 2024 HEAT WAVE IN INDIA.

• Forest fire, endangering wildlife and environmental greenery. Forest Survey of India has estimated that 21.4 percent (1,524,21sq. km) area under forest is vulnerable to forest fires.

• Extreme heat can impact livestock and crops resulting in an acute shortage of food and livelihood securities under threat.

• Due to the drying of water bodies and a decrease in the groundwater level several regions in India become prone to scarcity of water. It intensifies the water crises in several regions, especially in arid and semi-arid areas.

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