Daily Current Affairs : 21-July-2023

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has taken a significant step to address the discomfort caused by high temperatures by introducing the Heat Index on an experimental basis. This index aims to provide valuable guidance for different regions within India, where the combination of temperature and humidity results in higher apparent temperatures, making it uncomfortable for people.

Understanding the Heat Index

The Heat Index is a measure of the apparent temperature, often referred to as the “feel-like temperature,” which takes into account both the actual air temperature and the impact of humidity on the human body. By considering these factors, the index offers a more accurate representation of how hot it actually feels, rather than just the recorded temperature.

Derivation of the Heat Index

The current method used to derive the Heat Index in India is similar to the one employed by the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. This equation takes into account both the air temperature and the relative humidity to calculate the apparent temperature.

Benefits and Information Provided

The Heat Index offers several key benefits and valuable information for the public:

  1. Human Comfort Assessment: By providing a “feel-like” temperature, the Heat Index helps in assessing how comfortable or uncomfortable the weather conditions are for human beings. This information is crucial for people to make appropriate decisions about their daily activities and well-being.
  2. Guidance for Additional Care: The index acts as a guide for individuals and communities to take extra precautions during times of extreme heat and humidity. By following the Heat Index readings, people can be better prepared to avoid heat-related illnesses and take necessary measures to stay safe.
Experimental Color Codes

The Experimental Heat Index employs color codes to help people quickly understand the severity of the apparent temperature:

  • Green (Less than 35°C): When the Heat Index falls into the green range, the apparent temperature is relatively mild, indicating comfortable weather conditions.
  • Yellow (36-45°C): The yellow range of the Heat Index suggests that the apparent temperature is moderately high, which may cause discomfort to some individuals. Caution is advised, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children.
  • Orange (46-55°C): In the orange range, the Heat Index signifies high apparent temperatures, leading to discomfort for most people. It is essential to take necessary precautions, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and stay well-hydrated.
  • Red (Greater than 55°C): The red range indicates extremely high apparent temperatures, posing a significant risk of heat-related illnesses. During such conditions, it is crucial to avoid outdoor activities, seek shelter in cool environments, and stay hydrated.

Important Points:

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced the Heat Index on an experimental basis.
  • The Heat Index aims to provide guidance for regions in India where the apparent temperature (feel-like temperature) is higher due to humidity, causing discomfort for people.
  • The index is derived using an equation similar to the one used by NOAA in the USA, taking into account both temperature and humidity.
  • It provides information about the impact of humidity on high temperatures and offers a “feel-like” temperature for human beings, indicating human discomfort.
  • The Heat Index uses color codes for quick interpretation: Green (less than 35°C), Yellow (36-45°C), Orange (46-55°C), and Red (greater than 55°C).
  • Green indicates mild temperatures, yellow suggests moderate discomfort, orange indicates high discomfort, and red signifies extremely high discomfort and health risks.
  • The index helps assess human comfort and provides guidance for taking additional care during extreme heat and humidity.
  • Individuals and communities can use the Heat Index to make informed decisions about daily activities and well-being.
  • The index can help prevent heat-related illnesses and prompt necessary precautions for vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children.
  • Continuous monitoring and public feedback will be crucial to refine and improve the accuracy of the Heat Index over time.
Why In News

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently launched the Heat Index on an experimental basis, aiming to provide the public with a more comprehensive understanding of the real-feel temperature and potential health risks during heatwaves. By combining temperature and humidity data, the Heat Index will help in better preparedness and proactive measures to safeguard communities from the adverse effects of extreme heat events.

MCQs about Heat Index

  1. What is the primary purpose of the Heat Index introduced by the India Meteorological Department (IMD)?
    A. To measure the actual air temperature in different regions of India.
    B. To provide guidance for regions where humidity impacts the feel-like temperature, causing discomfort for people.
    C. To predict the occurrence of extreme weather events like hurricanes.
    D. To measure the humidity levels in different regions of India.
    Correct Answer: B. To provide guidance for regions where humidity impacts the feel-like temperature, causing discomfort for people.
    Explanation: The primary purpose of the Heat Index is to provide guidance for regions in India where humidity impacts the apparent or feel-like temperature, causing discomfort for people.
  1. How is the Heat Index derived by the India Meteorological Department (IMD)?
    A. Using an equation created by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
    B. By considering only the actual air temperature in a given region.
    C. By using an equation similar to the one used by NOAA in the USA, which takes into account both temperature and humidity.
    D. By measuring the wind speed and wind direction in different regions of India.
    Correct Answer: C. By using an equation similar to the one used by NOAA in the USA, which takes into account both temperature and humidity.
    Explanation: The Heat Index is derived using an equation similar to the one used by NOAA in the USA, which considers both the air temperature and the impact of humidity.
  1. What does the “Yellow” color code in the Experimental Heat Index represent?
    A. Experimental Heat Index less than 35°C.
    B. Experimental Heat Index in the range of 36-45°C.
    C. Experimental Heat Index in the range of 46-55°C.
    D. Experimental Heat Index greater than 55°C.
    Correct Answer: B. Experimental Heat Index in the range of 36-45°C.
    Explanation: The “Yellow” color code in the Experimental Heat Index represents the range of 36-45°C, indicating moderate discomfort due to the apparent temperature and humidity.
  1. How can the Heat Index benefit individuals and communities?
    A. By measuring the actual air temperature accurately.
    B. By providing information about the impact of wind speed on high temperatures.
    C. By guiding people to take additional care during extreme heat and humidity, reducing discomfort and preventing heat-related illnesses.
    D. By predicting the occurrence of hurricanes and extreme weather events.
    Correct Answer: C. By guiding people to take additional care during extreme heat and humidity, reducing discomfort and preventing heat-related illnesses.
    Explanation: The Heat Index benefits individuals and communities by guiding them to take additional care during extreme heat and humidity, reducing discomfort, and preventing heat-related illnesses. It provides a “feel-like” temperature that can help people make informed decisions about their daily activities and well-being.

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