HEAT WAVES LIKE NEVER BEFORE

According to IMD, a heatwave occurs when the above-normal temperature is 4.5°C higher than the long-term average temperature. India recorded 280 heat wave days from March to May, 2022 - the highest in 12 years. Five states namely Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana accounted for 54% of the heat waves in 2022. India witnessed the warmest decade on record from 2014 to 2023, with the atmospheric carbon dioxide level reaching new heights of 425 ppm.

Even before we have fully recovered from one of the hottest summers ever in 2023, another summer has already dived in, with a surprise; much more heat. In fact, 2023 was one of the hottest years in 122 years. More heatwave days have been predicted this summer by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with mercury already touching 38°C in several cities and is likely to cross 40°C soon.

IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mahapatra said most states will witness above-normal temperature from April to June. Heatwave days are expected in different states against the four to eight days every summer. The intensity of heat is expected to be the highest in May-June, especially over Central India. The warning comes at a time when the United Nation's World Meteorological Organisation warned recently that 2024 will be see abnormal high temperatures after the world, including Asia and India, broke heat records last year. We are not only breaking the records in competitions, but also in climate.