Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:17pm on 21 Apr 2024,Sunday Weather & Environment
Amidst rising temperatures, concerns emerge over India's heatwave criteria potentially overlooking the limits of human survivability. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declares heatwaves based solely on temperature thresholds, neglecting crucial factors like relative humidity. While traditional metrics dictate heatwave thresholds, recent research indicates that humidity exacerbates heat stress, surpassing survivability thresholds. Experts advocate for a reevaluation of heatwave criteria, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and public awareness. With extreme heat events becoming more frequent, urgent action is required to safeguard vulnerable populations from the lethal impacts of heat stress.