The purpose of this essay is to examine the historical background of heatwaves in India, the effects of the 2024 heatwave, notable figures in the field, and prospective developments that may arise in the future about heatwaves in the nation.

India has experienced severe heatwaves on a regular basis in recent years, and 2024 won't be any different. The population, infrastructure, and ecology have all been significantly impacted by the catastrophic heatwaves that have resulted from the nation's rising temperatures. This essay will examine the historical background of heatwaves in India, the major players in the investigation and resolution of this problem, the effects of heatwaves in India in 2024, and the noteworthy people who have helped to comprehend and mitigate the negative impacts of intense heat in the nation.

India has a long history of heatwaves, particularly during the summer when temperatures become dangerously high. This issue has been made worse by climate change, which has resulted in increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years. India saw some of its warmest temperatures ever in 2024, with several areas suffering protracted heatwaves that had a negative impact on the country's economy, agriculture, and public health.

Scientists, legislators, and activists are important players in the topic of heatwaves in India. They have been tasked with increasing public knowledge of the dangers of excessive heat and creating plans to lessen its consequences. Dr. Sunita Narain, an environmentalist and the director of the Centre for Science and Environment, is one such person who has led the charge in studies on the connection between heatwaves in India and climate change. Her research has influenced public awareness efforts and government initiatives that attempt to lower the incidence of heat-related diseases and fatalities.

In 2024, heatwaves had a disastrous effect on India, killing thousands of people from heatstroke and other related diseases. The elderly, young children, and outdoor labourers were among the vulnerable groups most at danger, underscoring the critical need for improved heatwave preparedness and response strategies. Significant losses occurred in the agriculture sector as well; crop failures and animal losses resulted in food shortages and hard times for rural towns' economies.

Prominent figures in the field of heatwaves in India include community leaders, public health specialists, and climate scientists who have been pushing for more robust policies to address the underlying causes of excessive heat. The former head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, has been an outspoken supporter of laws that would cut greenhouse gas emissions and stop global warming, which is a significant cause of heatwaves in India and other countries.

Positively, more people are aware of and involved in the debate over India's heatwave problem, which has strengthened support for climate-resilient and sustainable development strategies. Governmental programmes to enhance early warning systems, establish cooling centres, and encourage heat-smart urban planning have all contributed to lessening the effects of heatwaves on communities. Notwithstanding, certain obstacles persist, such as deficient infrastructure, restricted funding, and the want for further investigation to comprehend the intricate interplay among urbanisation, climate change, and health hazards associated with heat.

The IMD states that the physiography of a location determines what constitutes a heatwave. If a station records a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or higher in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius or higher along the coast, or 30 degrees Celsius or higher in the hills, the IMD will proclaim a heatwave.The degree to which a heatwave deviates from average temperature is what defines its severity. When the deviation is between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees Celsius, there is a "normal heatwave," and if the deviation is larger, there is a "severe heatwave." A heatwave could also be declared based on the real maximum temperature, which is defined as much than 45 degrees Celsius for a "heatwave" and more than 47 degrees Celsius for a "severe heatwave." Only when at least two stations in a meteorological subdivision report such a high maximum, or when at least one station records a similar deviation from the normal for at least two days in a row, does the IMD take the latter two 'routes'.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heatwave days this summer. The temperature has already reached 38°C in a number of places and is expected to rise to 40°C shortly.

According to Mrutyunjay Mahapatra, director general of IMD, most states would see above-average temperatures between April and June. In contrast to the four to eight days that occur every summer, heatwave days are anticipated in several states. May and June are predicted to have the highest heat intensity, particularly over Central India.

The United Nations World Meteorological Organisation issued a warning recently, stating that 2024 will witness abnormally high temperatures following last year's heat records that were broken globally, especially in Asia and India.

Union minister Kiren Rjijju had stated at a press conference that India is "rapidly witnessing" a number of extreme weather phenomena. Because severe heat waves are predicted to occur throughout the next three months, all relevant parties, including state governments, have taken extensive precautions. When the above-normal temperature is 4.5°C higher than the long-term average temperature, an IMD heatwave is said to have occurred.

Heat waves are mostly found in two areas of India: the coastal state of Andhra Pradesh and central and north-western India, according to a report titled "Heat and Cold Waves in India: Processes and Predictability" that was released on April 26 of last year by M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.

In order to reduce the effects of heatwaves in India and increase resilience to upcoming climate problems, governments, scientists, and people must collaborate to find creative solutions. Green infrastructure, renewable energy, and public health systems can all contribute to a more sustainable future by lowering the likelihood of heat-related catastrophes. We can work together across sectors and draw lessons from the past to create a safer and healthier environment for present and future generations in India and abroad.

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