India national guidelines for preparation of action plan - prevention and management of heat wave

Heat wave has emerged as one of the major weather hazards in India. Heat wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the pre-monsoon summer season. Heat wave season typically occurs from March to June and in some cases, even extends up to July. On an average, five-six heat wave events occur every year over the northern parts and eight to ten heat wave event in southern parts of the country. 

Consequently, there is an urgent need to evaluate impacts of the heat wave and plan adaptation and mitigation strategies for prevention, preparedness and community outreach to safeguard human lives, livestock and wild life.