Daily News Analysis » May 2024 » Heatwaves in India: April’s Unprecedented Heat : 1 May 2024

Heatwaves in India: April’s Unprecedented Heat : 1 May 2024

Why in News?

  • April in 2024 has experienced abnormally high temperatures across India, with prolonged heatwave conditions as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Criteria for Declaring a Heatwave

  • Plains: A heatwave is declared when temperatures in at least two localities exceed 40 degrees Celsius or are 4.5 degrees higher than usual.
  • Hilly and Coastal Areas: Declared at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and 37 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Reasons for Extreme Heat in April:

  • El Niño Impact: 2024 began in an El Niño state, leading to abnormal warming of waters in the equatorial Pacific and affecting global weather patterns, including intensified heatwaves in India.
  • Anticyclone Systems: Persistent high-pressure systems over southern peninsular and southeastern coastal areas have contributed to higher land temperatures by preventing cooler sea breezes.