Intense Heat Wave in India

A recent intense heat wave has struck India, marked by a second wave in April affecting several regions including Odisha, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, with temperatures soaring as high as 46°C in Bahargora. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, defines heat waves based on specific temperature thresholds and departures from normal, with severe heat waves exceeding 6.4°C departure. IMD’s predictions for April to June indicate an increase in heat wave days, with potential extreme cases affecting various states. While the heat wave poses challenges such as strain on power grids and water shortages, it also underscores the importance of awareness, preparedness, and infrastructure improvements, with IMD’s role crucial in providing timely warnings and forecasts for effective mitigation. Additionally, global weather patterns like El Niño weakening and La Niña expected later in the year further emphasize the need for proactive measures and international collaboration in managing extreme weather events.