Heatwave span to increase in most parts of India by 2060: IMD's dire report
Most parts of India, including those in peninsular India and the coasts will see an increase in duration of heatwave by 12-18 days by 2060, a new report from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) released Tuesday said, recommending a comprehensive response plan for heatwaves which includes cultural, institutional, technological and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.
The recommendations of the report titled “Heat and Cold Waves in India Processes and Predictability” include: improving India’s buildings through ventilation and insulation; raising awareness about heat stress; changing work schedules; providing early warning; and creating cool shelters.
Heatwaves have claimed more lives in India than other natural hazards, with the exception of tropical cyclones, IMD said in its report. It has used data from 1961-2020 to decipher heat wave climatology and occurrence.
A heatwave is declared by IMD when the maximum temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius and 4.5 degrees above normal. A severe heat wave is declared when the temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius and 6.5 degrees above normal. Heatwaves usually occur in the period from March to June in central and north-western India (heatwave zone) and in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. In this region, the frequency of heat waves is slightly lower than in northern India.
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