NEW DELHI: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday warned about the heatwave conditions in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh for the next three days. With temperatures expected to cross 45 degrees, the warning comes amidst the IMD’s earlier announcement that India is going to witness more days of heat wave in 2024.
Let’s know what a Heat Wave is and how to save yourself from it.
What is a Heat Wave?
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) defines Heat Wave as a period of abnormally high temperatures that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western parts of India.
According to IMD, heat waves occur when temperatures reach 40°C in Plains and 30°C for Hilly regions. When the normal temperature of an area is 40° C, then any deviation of 5°C to 7°C is considered a heat wave.
What causes Heat Waves in India?
There are multiple reasons for Heat waves in India:
Global Warming: A long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human activities like fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial activities is called Global Warming. It leads to higher temperatures resulting in heatwaves.
Urbanisation: One of the contributing factors is the rapid pace of urbanisation. The buildings and concrete surfaces replace the green fields, leading to higher temperatures, ultimately contributing to heat waves.
El Nino effect: During the southwest monsoon, trade winds coming from South America blow westward towards Asia. The warming of the Pacific Ocean weakens these winds. This leads to uneven distribution of rainfall across the Indian subcontinent, resulting in heatwaves.
What are the health impacts of heat waves?
The health impacts of heat waves include Dehydration, Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke etc.
Heat Cramps: Swelling and Fainting accompanied by Fever below 39°C (102°F)
Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating.
Heat Stroke: Body Temperatures of 40°C (104°F) or more along with delirium, seizures or Coma.
What to do if someone is suffering from Heatwave?
One can take the following steps:
- Move the person to a cool place under the shade.
- Give water or a rehydrating drink.
- Fan the person.
- Consult a doctor, if symptoms get worse.
- Cool the person by putting a cool wet cloth on their body.
- Loosen their clothes for better ventilation.
Emergency Kit for Heat Wave
One should keep following items handy in case of a Heat Wave scenario:
- Water Bottle
- Umbrella, Hat/Cap, Head Cover
- Hand Towel
- Hand Fan
- Electrolyte, Glucose
What are the preventive measures during a Heat Wave?
- Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12:00 noon and 03:00 pm
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose and porous cotton clothes.
- When going out in the sun, use protective goggles, umbrella, hat etc.
- Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks which dehydrate the body.
- If you feel ill, see a doctor immediately