What Happened?
- According to the Daily Heat Tracker by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and corroborated by Down To Earth, Hisar (Haryana) reported the highest daytime and night-time temperatures in India recently.
- At least six cities have reported above-normal maximum temperatures, indicating a severe and persistent heatwave trend across northwestern and central India.
Key Data Points
| Indicator | Observation |
|---|---|
| Location with highest temp | Hisar, Haryana |
| Day Temperature | Over 45°C |
| Night Temperature | Over 30°C, unusually high |
| Cities with persistent anomalies | Delhi, Jaipur, Bikaner, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Varanasi |
| IMD Heatwave Classification | Temp > 40°C (plains), > 30°C (hills), with departure ≥4.5°C above normal |
Climate and Environmental Implications
- Urban Heat Islands (UHI)
- Cities like Hisar, Delhi, and Varanasi exhibit strong UHI effects due to high concrete density, low green cover, and limited wind movement.
- Extreme Weather Pattern
- India is witnessing more frequent, longer-duration, and intense heatwaves, consistent with IPCC AR6 projections for South Asia.
- Rising Minimum Temperatures
- High night-time temperatures reduce human recovery from heat stress, increase heat-related morbidity, and indicate trapped radiation due to pollution and urban structures.
Socio-Economic Impact
- Public Health: Surge in heatstroke cases, dehydration, and cardiovascular risks, particularly for the elderly and urban poor.
- Agriculture: Heat stress impacts crop productivity (e.g., wheat, pulses), evaporative losses, and irrigation needs.
- Labour Productivity: Outdoor workers face reduced hours and increased vulnerability, affecting informal sector incomes.
- Energy Demand: Increased use of cooling appliances strains electric grids and worsens fossil fuel dependency.
Government Response
- IMD Heat Action Plans activated in Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and UP.
- State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) instructed to ensure:
- Water availability in urban slums
- Cooling shelters and shaded rest zones
- Awareness through media and schools
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued advisories for heatwave preparedness under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
UPSC Relevance
Prelims:
- IMD Heatwave Criteria
- Urban Heat Island Effect
- NDMA guidelines
Mains – GS III (Environment & Disaster Management):
- “Discuss the impact of rising urban temperatures on public health and urban resilience.”
- “How should Indian cities prepare for increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves?”