According to IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel for climate change- by the united nations) HEAT WAVE is- a period of abnormally hot weather, often defined with reference to a relative temperature threshold, lasting from two days to months.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves :
- Heat Waves need not be considered till the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.
- When the 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 the 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.
- Heat waves should be declared when the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of the normal maximum temperature.
Heat waves are very common during the summer months. It is seen in both North & South America, Europe, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. Frequency and intensity of heat waves are increasing every year, thanks to climate change.
In India, heat waves occur from March to June(sometimes July). On average, five-six heat wave events occur every year over the northern parts of the country. Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat are commonly affected states.
EFFECTS OF HEAT WAVES ON CHILDREN
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Heat cramps
- Heat exhaustion(flushed face, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, profuse sweating)
- Heat stroke( body temperature >104 F, with delirium, seizure/coma)
- There is a rise in respiratory illness, asthma, mosquito-borne illness, and diarrhea during and after heat waves.
- Poor concentration & academic activity.
According to UNICEF, by 2050, all of the world’s 2.02 billion children are expected to be exposed to high heatwave frequency.
DO’S IN HEATWAVE
Keep tabs on local weather forecasts.
Try to keep your kids indoors during the daytime( most importantly between 12 pm -4 pm ).
Encourage them to drink plenty of water( even if not thirsty).
Ask them to eat-
- Smaller frequent meals.
- High water containing fruits and vegetables like- watermelon, orange, cucumber, lemon, grapes, coconut water, tomatoes, papaya, mango, etc.
- Curd.
- lassi, homemade lemonade, fruit juice, sharbat( water, salt, little sugar).
Use lightweight, light-colored, loose cotton clothes.
Carry water while going outside.
Take an umbrella, hat, and goggles if you need to take them outside during the daytime.
Bath them two times /a day in cold water.
Block direct sunlight to enter your room.
DO NOT’S IN HEATWAVE
Avoid going out 12 pm -4 pm.
Avoid cooking 2 pm-4 pm.
Do not send children to school from 11 am-4 pm.
Don’t let them play in the sun (11-4 pm).
Don’t leave children unattended in a car.
Avoid tea, coffee, highly sugary or carbonated drinks, and roadside foods.
Avoid high-protein foods.
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