Fire raining from the sky: The growing threat of heatwave in India and how to avoid it

India is currently reeling under intense heat and a record-breaking heatwave. Temperatures have soared above 44°C to 47°C in several cities, from Barmer and Bikaner in Rajasthan to Akola in Maharashtra and across central India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the number of heatwave days in May and June this year is expected to be 5 to 7 days higher than normal.

This isn't just a change in the weather, but a serious environmental and health crisis. In this blog, let's explore why this summer is so dangerous and how we can protect ourselves.

Why is the scorching heat increasing every year?

Every year, heat waves in India are setting new records. Temperatures in states like Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra are reaching 45°C to 50°C. The ever-increasing heatwave is no longer just a weather problem; it has become a major threat to health, the economy, and the environment. Experts believe that factors like climate change, urbanization, and deforestation are rapidly increasing the incidence of heatwaves in India. This problem may become more serious in the coming years.

What is a heatwave?

Heatwave is a condition when the temperature of an area becomes much higher than normal and extreme heat persists for several days continuously. In India, when the temperature goes above 40°C in the plains and above 30°C in the hilly areas, the Meteorological Department can issue a Heatwave Alert.

Why is the heatwave outbreak increasing in India?

According to meteorologists, this year's heat wave has arrived earlier and more intense. The main reasons for this are the following:

Formation of Heat Dome: Due to high pressure in the atmosphere, hot air is trapped near the ground, due to which the temperature is increasing rapidly.

Climate Change: Due to global warming, previous heat records are being broken every year.

Urbanization and the Concrete Network: Concrete buildings and roads absorb heat during the day and release it at night, creating an 'urban heat island' situation.

Indiscriminate cutting of trees: Due to reduction in greenery, the cycle of natural cooling has been completely affected.

The Impact of Climate Change: Global warming is increasing worldwide. Due to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the earth's temperature is continuously rising. This is having a direct impact on India's weather.

Deforestation: Trees help keep the atmosphere cool. But rapid deforestation is causing temperatures to rise.

Urban Heat Island Effect: Concrete buildings, vehicles, and air conditioners make large cities feel hotter. This is called the Urban Heat Island Effect.

Less rainfall and drought: In many states, the land becomes dry due to less rainfall and hot winds become more intense.

Which states of India are most affected?

Every year some states are most affected by heatwave: Rajasthan Delhi Uttar Pradesh Haryana Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Gujarat Bihar Temperatures have reached above 48°C in many cities of Rajasthan.

What effect does heatwave have on health?

Extreme temperatures impact not only our comfort, but also the country's economy and health system:

Health crisis: Cases of dehydration, heatstroke, and fatigue are rising rapidly. States like Maharashtra have also reported deaths due to heatstroke.

Heavy demand for electricity and water: The continuous use of cooling appliances (ACs and coolers) has increased the pressure on the power grid, leading to power cuts in many places.

Damage to agriculture and production: The efficiency of workers working on farms and construction sites is being affected, which reduces economic productivity.

Extreme heat can have serious effects on the body. Common problems: Dehydration, Dizziness, Weakness, Headache, Heat Exhaustion, Serious conditions: Heat Stroke, Fainting, Organ Failure, Danger of death. Children, the elderly, and people working outdoors are most at risk.

How to avoid heatwave?

As advised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and doctors, strictly follow these things to keep yourself safe in this scorching heat:

Drink plenty of water: Even if you are not thirsty, keep drinking small amounts of water, lemon water, buttermilk, ORS or coconut water throughout the day.

Avoid going out in the afternoon: Between 11 am and 4 pm, when the sun is at its strongest, do not leave the house unless absolutely necessary.

Choose the right clothes: Wear light colored, loose fitting and cotton clothes so that the body keeps getting air.

Use safety gear: If you must go outside, cover your head with a cloth or hat, wear goggles, and use an umbrella.

Pay attention to your diet: Eat light, easily digestible foods. Include water-rich fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumber in your diet.

Stay away from tea and coffee: Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks, as these dehydrate the body.

Drink plenty of water It is most important to keep the body hydrated. Avoid going out in the afternoon The sun is most dangerous between 12 pm and 4 pm. Wear light and cotton clothes Cotton clothes help in keeping the body cool. Eat ORS and fruits Watermelon, cucumber, coconut water and lemonade are very beneficial in summer. Keep the house cool Use curtains, fans and ventilation properly. Connection of climate change and heatwave According to experts, if the global temperature continues to rise like this, then both the duration and intensity of heatwave may increase in India in the coming years.

Some scientists believe that South Asia may become one of the hottest regions in the world in the future. Impact on farmers and economy: Heatwave affects not only health but also agriculture and economy. Impact on farmers: Crops dry up; Water scarcity increases; Production decreases; Economic impact: Demand for electricity increases; Water crisis increases; Work productivity decreases.

What steps is the government taking?

The Government of India and several state governments are working on Heatwave Action Plans. These include:

Heatwave AlertsCooling CentersPublic Awareness CampaignsWater ManagementChanges in School TimingsWhat could be the dangers in the future?If Climate Change is not controlled:Temperatures may rise furtherWater Scarcity could become severeLiving in many cities could become difficultFood Security could be affected