Monsoon temperatures now higher than in summer, says CSE report

Subject: Geography

Context: In 2012-2021, the average monsoon temperatures have risen 0.4 C higher than average summer temperatures when compared from 1951-1980

Impact of Increased Temperature:

Increased heat wave deaths: From 2015 – 2020, 2,137 people had reportedly died due to heat stroke in the States in northwest but the southern peninsula region had reported 2,444 deaths due to excess environmental heat
The urban heat island effect: a phenomenon whereby cities because of concrete surfaces and dense populations tended to be on average hotter than rural habitations also contributed to heat stress
Rising air temperature, radiating heat from land surfaces, concretisation, heat-trapping built structures, waste heat from industrial processes and air conditioners, and erosion of heat dousing forests, urban greens and waterbodies will worsen public health risks

Concept:

A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves
Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches atleast 40°C for Plains and atheist 30°C for Hilly regions
When normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 5°C to 6°C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 7°C or more
When normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 4°C to 5°C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 6°C or more
When actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves should be declared.