Why is it in the news?
- The IMD issued an updated Seasonal outlook for the hot weather season (April to June) 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Above-normal temperatures are expected over most parts of the country during this period.
- Above normal heatwave days are likely to occur over most parts of south peninsula, central India, east India, and plains of northwest India during April to June.
- The El Niño phenomenon is expected to weaken during the upcoming season and eventually turn ‘neutral’. Some models suggest the possibility of La Niña conditions developing during the monsoon, potentially intensifying rainfall across South Asia, particularly in India’s northwest and Bangladesh.
Issues and Concerns
- Above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, affect agricultural output, cause water scarcity, increase energy demand, and impact ecosystems and air quality.
- India is facing challenges in meeting its power demand, which increases significantly during the summer season. Hydroelectric output has decreased, leading to a greater dependence on coal, contradicting India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions intensity.
| Heat Wave
· Qualitatively, a heat wave is a condition of air temperature that poses a threat to human health when exposed. · Quantitatively, it’s defined based on temperature thresholds or deviations from normal temperatures. · Heat waves in India are typically experienced between March and June, peaking in May. Criteria for Declaration by IMD · The IMD declares a heat wave if the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in plains and 30 degrees Celsius in hilly regions, with a departure of around 4.5-6.4 degrees Celsius from the normal maximum temperature. · A heat wave can also be declared if the actual maximum temperature exceeds 45 degrees Celsius, with a ‘severe heat wave’ declared if it surpasses 47 degrees Celsius. India Meteorological Department (IMD) · An agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology. · It’s one of the six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization. · IMD releases long-range forecasts in two stages, typically in April and June.
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