About Heatstroke-
- It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.
- It is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s internal temperature rises to a dangerous level, typically above 40°C or 104°F.
- The classic symptoms of having a heat stroke includes a high body temperature, hot and dry skin, rapid heartbeat, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness.
Heatwave in India-
In India Heat waves typically occur from March to June, and in some rare cases, even extend till July. On an average, five-six heat wave events occur every year over the northern parts of the country. Single events can last weeks, occur consecutively, and can impact large population.
What is criterion for declaring heat wave in India?
Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions.
- Based on Departure from Normal Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.50°C to 6.40°C Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.40degree C
- Based on Actual Maximum Temperature Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥ 450°C Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47
- If above criteria met at least in 2 stations in a Meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days and it declared on the second day.
What is a criterion for describing Heat Wave for coastal stations in India?
When maximum temperature departure is 4.50°C or more from normal, Heat Wave may be described provided actual maximum temperature is 370°C or more. The peak month of the heat wave over India is May.
