Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IMD Heat Index
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Union Ministry of Earth Sciences informed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced the Heat Index on an experimental basis.
IMD Heat Index
- The Heat Index aims to provide general guidance for regions in India where the combination of temperature and humidity leads to higher apparent temperatures, causing discomfort for people.
- It is derived using an equation similar to the one used by the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the USA.
- It considers the impact of humidity on high temperatures, providing a “feel-like” temperature for human beings and indicating the level of discomfort.
Color Codes for Experimental Heat Index
The Heat Index is represented with different color codes to signify the varying levels of heat impact and discomfort:
- Green: Below 35°C
- Yellow: Range of 36-45°C
- Orange: Range of 46-55°C
- Red: Above 55°C
Mitigating heat impact in India
- The Heat Index is currently being implemented on an experimental basis across India, including Andhra Pradesh.
- Under the Heat Action Plan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) collaborates with local agencies such as the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) to implement the Heat Index project for Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedabad.
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