Datia- Third Hottest Place in India

• 20 May 2024

Why in News?

According to the India Meteorological Department, the temperature in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh reached 47.5 degrees Celsius, making it the third hottest place.

Key Points

• Najafgarh in Delhi recorded the highest temperature in the country at 47.8 degrees Celsius, with Agra closely behind at 47.7 degrees.
• According to the sources, Rain or thunderstorms may occur in certain areas of the eastern Madhya Pradesh districts.
• Heatwave conditions could be experienced in isolated regions in western and eastern Madhya Pradesh.

Heat Waves

• About:
  • Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather that can cause adverse impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy.
  • India, being a tropical country, is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves, which have become more frequent and intense in recent years.
• IMD Criteria for Declaring Heat Wave in India:
  • Heat waves need not be considered till the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.
  • If the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C, then an increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition.
    • Further, an increase of 7°C or more from the normal temperature is considered a severe heat wave condition.
  • If the normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C, then an increase of 4°C to 5°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition. Further, an increase of 6°C or more is considered a severe heat wave condition.
    • Additionally, if the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, a heat wave is declared.