India to see longer heatwaves by 2060, says IMD report
A new report from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that most parts of India will experience an increase in the duration of heatwaves by 12-18 days by 2060. The report titled “Heat and Cold Waves in India Processes and Predictability” recommends a comprehensive response plan for heatwaves, which includes cultural, institutional, technological, and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies. The recommendations include improving buildings through ventilation and insulation, raising awareness about heat stress, changing work schedules, providing early warning, and creating cool shelters.
Heatwaves have claimed more lives in India than other natural hazards, except for tropical cyclones, according to the IMD report. IMD declares a heatwave when the maximum temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius and 4.5 degrees above normal, while a severe heat wave is declared when the temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius and 6.5 degrees above normal. Heatwaves usually occur from March to June in central and north-western India and the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
The report uses data from 1961 to 2020 to decipher heat wave climatology and occurrence. On average, more than two heatwave events occur over northern parts of the country and coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The authors provide maps to show how heatwave trends are rising over most of IMD’s meteorological stations during the 60 years, in terms of heatwave duration, frequency, and severity.
M Rajeevan, former secretary, of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and co-author of the report, warns that peninsular India and coastal regions where heatwaves are not common will also experience heatwaves in the future. The report suggests that global warming will lead to an increase of about two heatwaves and an increase in heatwave duration by 12-18 days over the period 2020-2064.
–Re-reported from the story originally published in Hindustan Times
