India faces intense heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C

Many states in India are experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures rising above normal. Areas like Jharkhand, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Maharashtra have recorded temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities have issued alerts and safety advisories to help people cope with the extreme heat. A heatwave is defined as a period of unusually high temperatures. The criteria for declaring a heatwave vary depending on the region’s typical weather. For example, a high temperature in Kerala may not be considered a heatwave there, but it might be in Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) sets specific rules for declaring heatwaves. A heatwave is declared when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius in flat areas and 30 degrees in hilly regions. If temperatures exceed 45 degrees Celsius, it classifies as a heatwave, while over 47 degrees Celsius indicates a severe heatwave. Heatwaves in India usually occur between March and June, sometimes extending into July. High humidity and warm nights can make the situation worse, making it hard for people to cool down at night. To measure heatwave conditions, the IMD relies on a network of observatories. They track various weather factors like temperature and humidity. Using historical data, they determine what is considered normal for different areas.