Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently introduced the Heat Index on an experimental basis.
- The Heat Index is designed to offer general guidance for regions in India where the apparent temperature, also known as the “feel-like” temperature, is higher due to a combination of heat and humidity, causing discomfort for people.
The Heat Index is calculated using an equation similar to the one used by the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the USA. It takes into account the impact of humidity on high temperatures to provide a more accurate representation of how the weather feels to humans, indicating the level of discomfort.
The Heat Index is categorized into colour codes for easy interpretation:
- Green: Experimental Heat Index below 35°C
- Yellow: Experimental Heat Index in the range of 36-45°C
- Orange: Experimental Heat Index in the range of 46-55°C
- Red: Experimental Heat Index above 55°C
