IMD will soon release a Heat Index
Recently the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the release of heat index readings. This will give an idea of what the temperature is actually feeling like.
- Till now IMD has been releasing the maximum and minimum temperature of the day. The index will give readings based on the day’s relative humidity, wind speed, maximum temperature and cloud cover.
- Depending on the expected heat index, warnings with different colors will also be issued. These will also have a list of precautions to be taken by the people based on the color of the warning.
- The calculation of the Heat Index will help states to prepare better Heat Action Plans (HAPs) for heat-wave assessment, forecasting, preparedness and mitigation.
- If the maximum temperature of a place reaches at least 40 °C in the plains and at least 30 °C in the hilly areas, it is called a heat wave.
- Recently, the Center for Policy Research (CPR) has highlighted the following limitations in its assessment of HAPs for all states:
- Humid summer period is not being considered in the formulation of HAPs. Most HAPs are not adapted to local conditions. An over-simplified view of danger has been taken. HAPs have failed to identify vulnerable groups.
Recommendations of the Centre for Policy Research on HAPs –
- Climatic projections should be incorporated and the definition of heat hazard localized.
- Vulnerability assessment and overall risk assessment should be included.
- A mechanism should be put in place for sharing of knowledge and best practices within and between states.
Source – Indian Express
