New Delhi: As India enters its summer season, running from April to June, the country is poised to endure a period of unrelenting heat, marked by above-normal temperatures and an increased number of heatwave days. This challenging weather scenario, as forecasted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), threatens to place significant stress on lives and livelihoods across the nation. The prolonged exposure to extreme heat is particularly concerning due to its potential to exacerbate existing socio-economic challenges.
Indian summers are notorious for their sweltering temperatures, often surpassing 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) at their peak. This year, the IMD predicts that the entire country will experience above-normal maximum temperatures, except for some regions in west peninsular India and isolated areas in east-central and east India. The number of heatwave days, characterized by temperatures significantly higher than the long-term average, is expected to rise, with east India potentially facing up to 10 such days. Normally, India sees between four and seven heatwave days during this period.
The intensification of heatwaves poses significant risks to vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, individuals with health issues, and outdoor workers. Heat stress can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms, from dizziness and headaches to organ failure and even death. City dwellers, surrounded by heat-absorbing infrastructure, are also at increased risk due to the urban heat island effect.
To mitigate these impacts, the IMD emphasizes the importance of implementing heat action plans. These plans include providing access to cooling centers, disseminating heat advisories, and adopting strategies to alleviate urban heat island effects in affected areas. Such proactive measures are crucial in safeguarding communities against the adverse effects of prolonged heat exposure.
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