Heatwave: Things you must know

The devastating heatwave that has gripped India has resulted in death of more than 2000 people.

Delhi: The devastating heatwave that has gripped India has resulted in death of more than 2000 people.

Here we tell you what are the conditions that can be called heatwave and when does it occur.

The National Disaster Management Authority of India gives us the following definition of heatwave:

A heatwave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western parts of India.

Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for heatwave:

Heatwave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40*C for plains and at least 30*C for hilly regions

When normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40*C heatwave departure from normal is 5*C to 6*C severe heatwave departure from normal is 7*C or more

When normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40*C heatwave departure from normal is 4*C to 5*C severe heat wave departure from normal is 6*C or more

When actual maximum temperature remains 45*C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves should be declared.

Symptoms of heat stroke:

Symptoms of heatstroke are dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke.

Heat cramps lead to Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39*C i.e.102*F.

Heat exhaustion leads to fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating.

Heat stoke symptoms are body temperatures of 40*C i.e. 104*F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma. This is a potential fatal condition as per information on NDMA's official website.

Courtesy: NDMA, GOI

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