Heatwave: IMD issues ‘red alert’ for several parts of north India

News: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Rajasthan for the next two days. 

Facts:

  • Heat Wave: It is a period of abnormally high temperatures more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western and South Central parts of India.
  • Time of occurrence: They typically occur between March and June and in some rare cases even extend till July. 
  • Affects: The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions affects people living in these regions as they cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke.
  • Criteria: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves:
  • Alerts for Heat Waves by IMD: