- The Tamil Nadu government recently declared heatwaves a state-specific disaster, allowing relief measures and support for those affected by extreme heat.
- This move comes as global temperatures reach record highs.
- The World Meteorological Organization reported 2023 as the hottest year, with frequent heatwaves linked to climate change.
- Studies highlight increased mortality from heatwaves in India, with severe past events in 1998, 2003 and 2010.
- A heatwave is prolonged extreme heat, defined by regional criteria. 40°C+ in plains and 30°C+ in hilly regions per the India Meteorological Department.
- Vulnerable populations include children, seniors, pregnant women, and outdoor workers, with heat-related conditions ranging from heat exhaustion to severe health impacts like renal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary diseases.
| Wet Bulb Temperature Wet bulb temperature (WBT) is a measurement of how hot it feels when humidity is combined with air temperature. It’s a measure of how well the body can cool itself through sweating WBT measures the lowest temperature achievable through evaporation, critical for assessing heat stress, especially in humid regions like India. Exceeding 35°C WBT leads to hyperthermia as the body loses its cooling ability, posing severe health risks. |
Dig Deeper: Read about the impact of heatwaves on food security.
