Syllabus
GS Paper 1 – Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
GS Paper 3 – Disaster and disaster management
Context
Indian Meteorological Department predicts above-average heat wave days for India, impacting multiple regions.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 3rd April 2024
Will India experience more heat wave days this summer?
India is bracing for above-average heat wave days this summer, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), with forecasts indicating impacts across various regions. This announcement coincides with the country’s ongoing struggle to meet its power demand, exacerbated by a significant decline in hydroelectricity output.
IMD Criteria for Declaring Heat Wave in India
A period of abnormally high temperatures is called a heat wave.
- Heat wave is considered if the 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 4.5°C to 6.4°C.
- Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.4°C.
- Based on Actual Maximum Temperature:
- Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C.
- Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47°C.
- Based on Departure from Normal:
The wet bulb temperature
- The wet bulb temperature is the lowest temperature to which a surface can be cooled by water evaporating from it.
- In other words, it’s the lowest temperature at which the surface of the skin can be cooled by sweating.
- Beyond this threshold, even short periods spent idling in ambient conditions can have deadly health effects.
Causes of Heatwaves
- Climate Change Impact:
- Studies indicate that heat waves globally are becoming more recurrent, intense, and lethal due to climate change.
- Abnormal temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, significantly impact weather patterns, increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
- El Niño Weather Phenomenon:
- The ongoing El Niño weather condition contributes to higher-than-usual temperatures.
- Moderate El Niño conditions persist over the equatorial Pacific, leading to increased sea surface temperatures and heat redistribution, affecting airflows over the ocean.
- High-pressure systems:
- When a high-pressure system stalls over a region, it acts like a lid, trapping warm air near the Earth’s surface.
- This prevents the normal circulation of air and keeps temperatures high.
Effects of Heatwaves
- Health Impacts:
- Higher temperatures resulting from heatwaves can lead to heat stress and even fatalities.
- Heatwaves pose significant risks to human health, including heat-related illnesses and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions.
- Environmental Consequences:
- Heatwaves can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, leading to drought, wildfires, and loss of biodiversity.
- Increased temperatures can disrupt agricultural productivity, affecting crop yields and food security.
- Social and Economic Impacts:
- Heatwaves can strain infrastructure and public services, leading to power outages, water shortages, and transportation disruptions.
- Economic productivity may decline due to heat-related illnesses, absenteeism, and damage to infrastructure.
- Increased Energy Demand:
- Heatwaves lead to higher energy consumption for cooling purposes, putting additional strain on electricity grids.
- Increased demand for electricity during heatwaves can lead to power shortages and blackouts, impacting businesses and households.
Relation to India’s Power Demand and Hydroelectricity Output
- India’s struggle to meet its power demand is exacerbated by the decline in hydroelectricity output.
- A Reuters analysis reported that India’s hydroelectricity output fell at the steepest pace in at least 38 years.
- The reduced hydroelectric output necessitates a greater dependence on coal for energy generation, potentially hindering India’s efforts to reduce emissions intensity as per its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
- Falling hydroelectricity output underscores the challenges in diversifying India’s energy sources and highlights the importance of sustainable energy solutions to address climate change and ensure energy security.
Conclusion
India faces a dual challenge of coping with increased heat wave days while grappling with energy security concerns. The IMD’s forecasts highlight the urgency of preparedness measures to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat on public health and infrastructure. Addressing the underlying factors contributing to India’s power demand struggle, including the decline in hydroelectricity output, requires a multifaceted approach encompassing investments in renewable energy, infrastructure modernization, and climate adaptation strategies.
Related Topics
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is the national meteorological service of India. It is the chief government agency dealing with everything related to meteorology, seismology, and associated subjects.
The IMD was established in 1875 and is headquartered in New Delhi. It has six Regional Meteorological Centres, each under a Deputy Director General. These are located in Chennai, Guwahati, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur and New Delhi. There is also a Meteorological Centre in each state capital.
The IMD’s main responsibilities include:
- Providing weather forecasts and warnings
- Monitoring weather conditions
- Collecting and disseminating meteorological data
- Conducting research in meteorology and seismology
- Providing training in meteorology and seismology
The IMD’s services are essential for a variety of sectors, including agriculture, aviation, shipping, and disaster management. The IMD also plays an important role in international cooperation on weather and climate issues.
Read More: Heat Index
References
Related PYQ
Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. [UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2013]
Practice Question
Bring out the causes and implications of India’s forecasted above-average heat wave days. [250 words]
How to approach this question?
Introduction:
- Start by defining what a heatwave is and its significance.
- Briefly mention the forecast of above-average heatwave days in India.
Body:
- Causes:
- Discuss the role of global warming and climate change in increasing heatwave days.
- Explain the impact of El Niño on India’s weather patterns, leading to reduced cloud cover, below-normal rains, and severe heatwaves.
- Mention the warming of the sea surface in the equatorial Pacific region.
- Implications:
- Discuss the health risks associated with heatwaves, such as heat strokes and dehydration.
- Talk about the potential impact on agriculture due to increased evaporation rates and water scarcity.
- Discuss the strain on power resources due to increased use of cooling appliances.
- Mention the potential disruption of monsoon patterns.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the main points discussed in the body.
- Discuss the need for mitigation strategies to adapt to and combat the increasing heatwave days.
- Conclude with a note on the importance of global cooperation in tackling climate change.
Remember to provide a balanced answer, incorporating relevant facts and figures, and propose feasible solutions. Structure your answer well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, ensure that your answer is within the word limit specified for the exam. Good luck!