In June parts of India are witnessing heat wave with unmatched high maximum temperatures. Its intensity is compounded by warm nights and rising humidity and effecting all especially poor ones. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had also  issued a heat wave warning for several states across India. When maximum temperatures remain 40°C and above and when the minimum temperature of a region is 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal, IMD terms it a ‘warm night’. If the minimum temperature is more than 6.4°C above normal, IMD terms it a ‘very warm night’.

When days are hot, nights give the human body a chance to cool down. But when nights get warmer, that does not happen, leading to increased heat stress on the body.

REASONS FOR WARM NIGHT

• Urbanization, concretization, and declining green cover.
• Cities experience air temperatures that are several degrees warmer than surrounding areas due to the urban heat island effect.
• Climate change

WAY OUT

Long-term solutions such as planting more trees and reducing the density of built areas are important to combat the urban heat island effect.

Sustainable living practices and coordination across ministries and civil society

Plant a tree, Trees produce shade, but they also cool the air through transpiration

Steps must be taken for Climate change adaptation and Climate change mitigation

WHAT IS HEAT WAVE AND COLOR CODING