Heatwave

Why in the News?

1. A new climate report titled “Weathering the Storm: Managing Monsoons in a Warming Climate” has raised concerns about rising climate risks in India.
2. The report, jointly released by Esri India and IPE Global, warns that cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Surat, Thane, Hyderabad, Patna, and Bhubaneswar could see a two-fold increase in heatwave days by 2030.
3. It also highlights a sharp rise in extreme rainfall events, posing a dual threat of heat and floods in many regions.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

1. Heatwave Risk: Heatwave days in major Indian cities may double by 2030.
2. Extended Summer Conditions: Summer heat is now spreading into the monsoon months, creating overlapping risks.
3. Extreme Rainfall: India is expected to see a 43% increase in the intensity of heavy rainfall events.
4. Rising Frequency: Between 1993 and 2024, extreme heat days have gone up 15 times, and in the last 10 years, they have increased 19 times.
5. Widespread Impact: 8 out of 10 districts will face frequent and irregular rainfall by 2030.
6. Urban Vulnerability: Around 72% of Tier-I and Tier-II cities may face both heat stress and heavy rainfall, along with lightning, hailstorms, and storm surges.
7. Vulnerable States: States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh will be among the worst affected.

Heatwave:   A heatwave is a time when the weather stays unusually hot for several days or even weeks. It includes both very hot days and very warm nights. If the temperature is 5–6 °C above normal, it is called a heatwave. If it's more than 7 °C above normal, it's a severe heatwave. Characteristics of Heatwaves:   Region Temp Threshold Plains 40 °C or higher Hills 30 °C or higher Coast 37 °C or higher

What is the Significance of the Report?

1. Early Warning for Cities: It alerts urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and others about increasing climate risks such as heatwaves and extreme rainfall.
   1. It helps cities prepare for compound weather events, such as heat and floods occurring together.
2. Supports Climate-Smart Planning: The report acts as a planning guide for policymakers, city officials, and disaster management teams.
   1. It can help in designing climate-resilient infrastructure and urban development plans.
3. Promotes Data-Driven Governance: Provides scientific data and trends on how heatwaves and rainfall have increased.
   1. Encourages governments to use GIS tools and real time risk mapping for better decision-making.
4. Highlights Urgency for Adaptation: It emphasizes that climate change is no longer a future issue but a present and growing crisis.
   1. Pushes for urgent action in vulnerable states and cities to reduce human and economic losses.
5. Identifies Vulnerable Regions: Pinpoints hotspot districts and states most at risk, helping to prioritize resources.
   1. Focuses on both Tier-I and Tier-II cities, showing the pan-India nature of the threat.
6. Encourages Financial Preparedness: Suggests the need for risk financing instruments to manage disaster-related economic shocks. Helps in planning climate insurance models and emergency funds.
7. Informs Public and Stakeholders: Raises public awareness about how climate change is already affecting daily life. Acts as a knowledge source for NGOs, researchers, media, and educational institutions.

What are the Challenges and Way Forward?

Challenges	Way forward
1. Lack of real-time climate data and localised risk maps	1. Set up a Climate Risk Observatory (CRO) for real-time monitoring
2. Inadequate early warning systems in many regions	2. Strengthen early warning systems at city and district levels
3. Poor urban planning and infrastructure	3. Integrate climate resilience in city planning
4. High economic losses due to weather events	4. Develop risk financing tools to reduce socio-economic impact
5. Limited awareness among citizens and local bodies	5. Conduct public awareness campaigns on heat and flood preparedness
6. Fragmented coordination among government departments	6. Ensure inter-departmental coordination for timely climate action

 

Ensure IAS Prelim Question: Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the recent climate report titled “Weathering the Storm: Managing Monsoons in a Warming Climate”: The report predicts that 8 out of 10 Indian districts will face frequent and irregular rainfall by 2030. It states that the number of extreme heat days has increased 19 times between 1993 and 2024. It was jointly released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the World Meteorological Organization. How many of the above statements is/are correct? Only one Only two All three None Answer: b Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The report highlights that 8 out of 10 Indian districts are expected to face frequent and irregular rainfall by 2030. Statement 2 is correct: Between 1993 and 2024, the number of extreme heat days has increased 15 times, and in the last 10 years, they have gone up 19 times, as per the report. Statement 3 is incorrect: The report was jointly released by Esri India and IPE Global, not by the Ministry of Environment or the World Meteorological Organization.

 

Ensure IAS Mains Question Q. The dual threat of increasing heatwaves and extreme rainfall events in India demands a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive climate resilience. Critically examine this statement in the context of the findings of the recent report “Weathering the Storm: Managing Monsoons in a Warming Climate”. (250 words)