District-Level Heatwave Prediction and Early Warning Systems by IMD
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Governance
Why in news
The Minister of State for Earth Sciences informed Lok Sabha about the district-level heatwave forecasting and early warning systems. This highlights the government's efforts to strengthen heatwave monitoring and impact-based warnings.
Background
Heatwaves are a recurring natural hazard in India, causing significant health and economic impacts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences has been enhancing its forecasting and early warning capabilities.
Key facts
IMD issues heatwave warnings and alerts twice daily at the district level, including impact-based forecasts (IBF).
Warnings include potential impacts and suggested measures as per NDMA guidelines and Heat Action Plans.
Dissemination channels include email, API, mobile apps, social media, website, electronic/print media, mass communication systems, and Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) based systems.
IMD has prepared India's 'Climatic Hazard and Vulnerability Atlas' (Hazard and Vulnerability Atlas) providing district-wise heatwave vulnerability assessment.
Barmer district (Rajasthan) has a Heatwave Vulnerability Index of 0.54 on a 0-1 scale, categorized as 'High Vulnerability'.
IMD shares heatwave bulletins regularly with disaster management authorities, health, labour, railways, transport, forest departments, etc.
As a pilot, IMD has started sending impact-based heatwave warnings to unorganized sector workers through their organizations in simple, actionable formats.
NDMA holds regular meetings with stakeholders for preparedness and ground-level action based on IMD forecasts.
Most heatwave information is available on a web-GIS platform open to the public.
Since 2016, IMD has been issuing seasonal forecasts for temperature and heatwaves to aid planning.
Prelims pointers
- IMD: India Meteorological Department
- NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority
- IBF: Impact-Based Forecast
- CAP: Common Alerting Protocol
- Heat Action Plans
- Hazard and Vulnerability Atlas
- Heatwave Vulnerability Index (0-1 scale)
- Barmer district: High Vulnerability (0.54)
- Ministry of Earth Sciences
- Lok Sabha
Mains angles
- GS3 Disaster Management: Discuss the effectiveness of early warning systems for heatwaves in India.
- GS2 Governance: Examine the role of NDMA and state agencies in heatwave preparedness and response.
- GS3 Science & Technology: Evaluate the use of impact-based forecasting and GIS platforms in disaster risk reduction.