Severe heatwave hits Jharkhand | 02 May 2024

Why in News?

Severe Heatwave Conditions gripped parts of Jharkhand with Baharagora in East Singhbhum district recording a maximum temperature of 47.1 degrees Celsius.

Key Points

  • The weather department issued an 'Orange Alert' for severe heatwave in 11 Jharkhand districts.
    • These are Sahibganj, Godda, Pakur, Dumka, Jamtara, Deoghar, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Seraikela-Kharswan, East and West Singhbhum.
  • According to the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, mining activities and pollution could be one of the reasons for temperatures reaching above 47 degrees Celsius.

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 Wave 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.