Severe Heatwaves in Northwest and Central India: Meteorological Drivers and Policy Imperatives
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The IMD has issued red and orange alerts for Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh as temperatures exceed 45°C due to a heat dome effect and lack of Western Disturbances, highlighting the need for robust Heat Action Plans.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently issued severe heatwave warnings, including red and orange alerts, for several states in Northwest and Central India, notably Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. With temperatures breaching the 45°C mark, these conditions represent a significant escalation in extreme weather events, necessitating a multi-sectoral response from both central and state governments.
Meteorologically, the current crisis is attributed to two primary factors: the 'heat dome' effect and the absence of Western Disturbances. A heat dome occurs when a persistent region of high pressure traps hot air over a large area, acting like a lid on a pot. This prevents the air from rising and cooling, leading to soaring surface temperatures. Furthermore, the lack of active Western Disturbances—extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region—has deprived the plains of Northwest India of the usual pre-monsoon showers and cloud cover that typically provide intermittent relief during the summer months.
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