Mohammad Hanief
Heatwaves, or heat and hot weather that can last for several days, can have a significant impact on society, including a rise in heat-related deaths. Heatwaves are among the most dangerous of natural hazards, but rarely receive adequate attention because their death tolls and destruction are not always immediately obvious.
Heat waves, marked by extended periods of abnormally high temperatures, are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. These events pose significant health risks, impacting everyone from children to the elderly and increasing the burden on healthcare systems. Understanding their effects is crucial for developing effective strategies to protect public health and mitigate economic impacts.
Population exposure to heat is increasing due to climate change. Globally, extreme temperature events are observed to be increasing in their frequency, duration, and magnitude. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of people exposed to heatwaves increased by around 125 million.
A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be coupled with high humidity, particularly in oceanic climates. Defined by the World Meteorological Organization, a heat wave occurs when the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average by 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least five consecutive days. These events can have significant impacts on human health, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Factors like stagnating high-pressure systems can trap warm air, exacerbating conditions. With climate change, heat waves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged, raising concerns for public health and necessitating adaptive measures to mitigate their effects.
Kashmir is currently in the grip of a relentless heatwave, causing widespread worry among residents, from the common man to farmers. The impact of climate change is starkly visible on Kashmir’s fruit crops. This season’s cherry, plum, and strawberry harvests have been adversely affected, disappointing farmers and producers alike. The meteorological department has predicted more hot and dry weather conditions for the next week, warning residents to prepare for continued high temperatures.
The mercury in Jammu and Kashmir is on record-breaking spree as Qazigund, the gate town of the Valley recorded highest ever day temperature during the month of May while Pahalgam and Kokernag endured second warmest day in last 22 and 23 years respectively.
Maximum temperature in Qazigund scaled to 34°C, breaking the previous highest record of 43 years when day mercury was recorded at 33.6°C on 31 May 1981. Pahalgam endured the second highest temperature ever during May as mercury rose to 28.6°C and it was little over a degree Celsius below the all-time high recorded for the world famous resort, witnessed on 23 May 2000 when the maximum of 30.8°C was recorded on 23 May 2000.
Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mahapatra has already said that most states will witness above-normal temperature from April to June. Heatwave days are expected in different states against the four to eight days every summer. The intensity of heat is expected to be the highest in May-June, especially over Central India.
The warning comes at a time when the United Nation’s World Meteorological Organisation warned recently that 2024 will be see abnormal high temperatures after the world, including Asia and India, broke heat records last year.
According to weather experts, over the years, Kashmir valley has been witnessing erratic weather patterns, with less precipitation during winters. This could impact agriculture, horticulture, and generation of hydro-electricity. Less snowfall and early rise in temperature leads to faster melting of glaciers. Besides, it is affecting the generation of hydro power and the horticulture sector. There will be less water in streams in summer when there is early melting of glaciers resulting in agriculture and horticulture sectors being badly affected.
The intense heatwave is an indication of climate change and in the long run, the heatwave has tendency to hit Kashmir’s main cash crops – apples, saffron and paddy. If the temperature goes above 25°C a hormonal change happens in the apple plant, impacting its physiology and overall performance and heavy precipitation can cause scab in apples and intense heat can affect the colour and size of the crop.
The lack of proper irrigation to saffron fields in Kashmir has reduced its acreage in Kashmir by 43.9 per cent over the last three decades. In 1996, the saffron was cultivated on 5,707 hectares but due to scanty rainfall and inadequate irrigation the world’s most expensive spice is now cultivated on just 3,200 hectares.
Local contributing factors of climate change in the form of land system changes, deforestation, conversion of irrigated agriculture land, urban expansion and increased vehicular pollution is also responsible.
During extreme heat, certain groups of people who are more vulnerable, including older adults, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, individuals with chronic illnesses, socially or geographically isolated people, and some racial and ethnic subgroups (especially those with low socioeconomic status), experience higher rates of illness and death. Supporting this, a report published by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), points out that heat-wave victims are mostly the poor and vulnerable population in the unorganised sectors, including daily-wage labourers, street vendors, brickmaking workers, construction workers, rickshaw pullers, delivery executives, gig workers, etc. These individuals are compelled to work outdoors due to their economic circumstances and earn a livelihood. Since they are unable to avoid being outside, they are particularly vulnerable to the hazards posed by heatwaves.
Effective strategies include staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, limiting outdoor activities, and using air conditioning. Additionally, staying informed about weather forecasts and heat alerts can help everyone be better prepared. As heat waves become more frequent due to climate change, adopting these preventive measures will be crucial for maintaining health and well-being during extreme heat events.
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