Shri Kiren Rijiju says IMD has launched Heat Index

Union Minister for Earth Sciences Shri Kiren Rijiju informed today that the Meteorological Department of India (IMD) has recently launched the Heat Index on an experimental basis. Stating this in a written response in the Rajya Sabha, he said that the experimental heat index was launched by the IMD to provide a general guide for regions within India where, the apparent/sensible temperature (considering the impact of humidity along with temperature) are on the higher side causing discomfort to people. Currently, the heat index is derived using the heat index equation similar to that used by the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA.

He said the heat index provides insight into the impact of humidity on high temperatures and thus provides a sense of temperature for humans that can be used as an indication for human discomfort. Provides guidance on further care people need to take to reduce discomfort.

Shri Rijiju said the color codes used for the Experimental Heat Index are as follows:

Green: – Experimental heat index below 35 degrees C

Yellow: – Experimental heat index in the range of 36-45 degrees C

Orange: – Experimental heat index in the range of 46-55 degrees C

Red: – Experimental heat index greater than 55 degrees C

Shri Rijiju said that the heat index is implemented on a trial basis only across the country including the state of Andhra Pradesh. However, the heat index for Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedabad under the heat action plan is said to be done in project mode by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in cooperation with local agencies like Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), he said.

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CNS/PK/28