The Core Heatwave Zone (CHZ)/ When the IMD declares a heatwave?

The April Month 2024 as experienced heatwaves that  was more severe than previous year.

While the southern peninsular and the southeastern coast areas have been the worst affected, the northern plains are yet to experience heatwave conditions this season.

The Core Heatwave Zone (CHZ) spanning central, north, and peninsular India between Gujarat and West Bengal is prone to heatwave conditions every year, during the summer season March to June and occasionally in July.

Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, parts of Gangetic West Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are the most heatwave-prone states or regions.

When does IMD declare a heatwave?

• IMD declares a heatwave when the normal maximum temperature recorded over at least two localities in plains touches 40 degree Celsius or exceeds 4.5 degree Celsius from normal. 
• Heatwave is declared in hilly and coastal regions when temperatures cross 30 degree Celsius and 37 degree Celsius respectively.
• A severe heatwave is declared if the temperature departure exceeds 6 degree Celsius from normal.