Heat Waves

Heat Waves Latest News

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for regions including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

About Heat Waves

• Heat Waves are a period of unusually high temperatures as compared to what is normally expected over a region. Therefore, the temperatures at which Heat waves are declared differ from place to place based on the temperature climatology (historical temperatures) of that region. 
• Heat wave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for the Plains and at least 30°C or more for the Hilly regions.
• Based on Departure from Normal 
  • Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C 
  • Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.4°C 
• Based on Actual Maximum Temperature 
  • Heat Wave: When the actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C °c 
  • Severe Heat Wave: When the actual maximum temperature is ≥47°C
• When maximum temperature departure is 4.5°C or more from normal, a Heat Wave may be described, provided the actual maximum temperature is 37C or more.
• Heatwaves typically occur in India from March to June, sometimes extending into July.
• The core heatwave zone covers central, northern, and peninsular India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Vidarbha (Maharashtra), Gangetic West Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana

Heat Waves FAQs

Q1. What is meant by Heat Waves?

Ans. A heat wave is a period of unusually high temperatures that lasts for several days.

Q2. Why did Heat Waves get so popular?

Ans. Heat waves gained attention due to their rising frequency and severe impact on health, crops, and daily life.

Q3. What is causing a heat wave?

Ans. Heat waves are mainly caused by high pressure systems, climate change, and weather pattern shifts like El Niño.

Q4. How hot will India be in 2025?

Ans. In 2025, many parts of India may see temperatures above 44°C during peak summer, as per IMD forecasts.

Source: BS