The Climate Show...Scorching heat wave!
Heatwave occurs when a system of high atmospheric pressure moves into an area and lasts for more than two days. In such a high-pressure system, air from upper levels of our atmosphere is pulled toward the ground, where it becomes compressed and temperature increases.The weather agency declares a heat wave when the temperature is at least 4.5 C (8 F) above average.
The India Meteorological Department on Thursday declared a heatwave sweeping most of Northern, Northwest, and Central India, affecting Delhi, Haryana, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh,Orissa etc.Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar are among major states of India with the highest fatality density due to heat wave, according to a research paper published in scientific journal Current Science last year.
As a proactive measure,the Odisha government treats it as a disaster on the scale of cyclone or flood. By February-end, the government starts the preparation for fighting heat wave with a single objective in mind: no human casualty. Schools and colleges shift to early morning sessions. They open at 6.30am and end by 12 noon.Government offices also follow the same timings. Examinations are held by March. Public transport does not operate between 12 noon and 3.30pm. Public wage programmes like, MGNREGA is halted from 11.30am to 3.30pm.
How to protect yourself in the heatwave?Precautionary measures for hot weather must be taken by everyone going outside between 11 am and 3.30 pm in the districts, the government advisory said.You should keep drinking water and other fluids such as lassi, lemonade, buttermilk, and rice water to keep yourself properly hydrated, according to IMD, which adds that you should take such fluids even if you are not thirsty as the purpose is to stay hydrated.
Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun. If you have to step out, try to step out in cooler evenings. Wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured, cotton clothes and apply appropriate sunscreen. Cover your head with light-coloured scarves, caps, or umbrellas.Never leave anyone, including pets, in a parked car as it tends to heat up.
