Source: News on Air
Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued forecasts for cold wave conditions in northern states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, along with dense fog in parts of Assam and Rajasthan.
About Cold Wave:
- Definition: A cold wave is a condition of extreme cooling over a region, with temperatures dropping significantly below normal levels for that time of year.
- Criteria to Declare Cold Wave:
- When minimum temperatures fall below 10°C in plains and are 5°C to 6.4°C below normal.
- Severe cold wave: When temperatures are 5°C or more below normal.
- For hills: Temperatures below 0°C are a marker.
- Geographic Reasons Behind Cold Wave in India:
- Western Disturbances: Weak or no western disturbances allow cold air from the north to penetrate deeply into India.
- Snowfall in Himalayas: Leads to cold winds sweeping across northern plains.
- Clear Skies: Enable radiative cooling during nights.
- Is Cold Wave a Declared Disaster in India?
- Yes, the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) includes cold waves under its disaster classification, enabling relief measures.
- Impacts on India:
- Human Health: Increased cases of hypothermia and respiratory issues, especially among vulnerable populations.
- Agriculture: Damage to standing crops like wheat and mustard due to frost.
- Energy Demand: Higher energy consumption for heating, stressing power supply systems.
- Livelihoods: Adverse effects on outdoor workers, particularly farmers and labourers.
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- Transportation: Disruption due to dense fog, impacting air, road, and rail traffic.
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