India Meteorological Department has issued a heat wave warning for Delhi and adjoining areas for May 22, 2023 after maximum temperatures in several parts of the capital were recorded above 45 degrees Celsius.
What is a heat wave?
A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western parts of India.
Duration: Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July.
Criteria: According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), when actual maximum temperature remains 45*C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves should be declared.
Reasons for heat waves:
Extreme weather conditions like Heat Waves in summer, Cold Waves in winter and extreme rainfall when it is least expected have almost become the norm due to climate change.
In India, some climatic reasons probably make heat waves on the east coast deadlier.
In May and June, the Bay of Bengal often witnesses Anti-Cyclonic Circulations which work towards trapping the heat in the lower atmosphere.
Health Impacts: The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. Heat Wave conditions can result in physiological strain, which could even result in death.
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