• UGI USER
  • Apr 28, 2024
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES HEATWAVE ADVISORY

Why in the news?

  • India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a yellow heatwave alert across 18 districts of Telangana.Director of Public Health and Family Welfare releases advisory to ensure safety during the heatwave.

About Advisory:

  • Advisory emphasizes prioritizing hydration by regularly consuming.
    • Recommends intake of seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content.
    • Encourages wearing light, breathable cotton attire and using umbrellas, hats, or caps to shield heads from the sun.
    • Advises minimizing outdoor activities and confining them to cooler morning and evening hours.
    • Identifies certain groups as particularly vulnerable to heat stress, including infants, young children, outdoor workers, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Heatwave Declaration by IMD :

Threshold Temperature:

  • For Plains: Heat wave considered when maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C.
  • For Hilly Regions: Heat wave considered when maximum temperature reaches at least 30°C.

Increase from Normal Temperature:

If normal maximum temperature is ≤ 40°C:

  • Increase of 5°C to 6°C from normal temperature indicates heat wave condition.
  • Increase of 7°C or more from normal temperature indicates severe heat wave condition.

If normal maximum temperature is > 40°C:

  • Increase of 4°C to 5°C from normal temperature indicates heat wave condition.
  • Increase of 6°C or more from normal temperature indicates severe heat wave condition.

Actual Maximum Temperature:

Heat wave declared if actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more, regardless of normal maximum temperature.