उत्तर भारत में भीषण लू (Heatwave) का प्रकोप: आईएमडी की चेतावनी
भारतीय मौसम विज्ञान विभाग (IMD) ने मई 2026 के पहले सप्ताह में उत्तर और मध्य भारत के कई राज्यों के लिए 'रेड अलर्ट' जारी किया है।
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- IMD issued a 'Red Alert' for North and Central India in early May 2026 due to a severe heatwave.
- Temperatures exceeded 45°C in Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Heatwave criteria: Max temp ≥ 40°C (plains) and 4.5°C above normal.
- Climate change is a primary driver of increasing heatwave frequency and intensity.
- Health risks include heatstroke, dehydration, and exacerbation of chronic conditions.
- Impacts extend to agriculture, water resources, and the power sector.
- Vulnerable populations (elderly, children) face the highest risk.
- IMD's 'Red Alert' signifies dangerous conditions requiring immediate precautions.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 12–20 | Environment and Ecology is a separate section in UPSC Prelims. GS-III includes environment, climate change, and disaster management. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | National parks, Ramsar sites, pollution levels, and climate summits appear in SSC GK. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 5–8 | State PCS papers test both central environment policy and state-specific conservation achievements. |
Key Facts to Remember: उत्तर भारत में भीषण लू (Heatwave) का प्रकोप: आईएमडी की चेतावनी
- IMD issued a 'Red Alert' for North and Central India in early May 2026 due to a severe heatwave.
- Temperatures exceeded 45°C in Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Heatwave criteria: Max temp ≥ 40°C (plains) and 4.5°C above normal.
- Climate change is a primary driver of increasing heatwave frequency and intensity.
- Health risks include heatstroke, dehydration, and exacerbation of chronic conditions.
- Impacts extend to agriculture, water resources, and the power sector.
- Vulnerable populations (elderly, children) face the highest risk.
- IMD's 'Red Alert' signifies dangerous conditions requiring immediate precautions.
Practice Questions
Q1. According to the IMD, what is the minimum temperature threshold for declaring a heatwave in the plains of India?
- 35 degrees Celsius
- 40 degrees Celsius
- 45 degrees Celsius
- 30 degrees Celsius
Explanation: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a heatwave in the plains when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the temperature must be 4.5 degrees Celsius or more above the normal maximum temperature for that region.
Q2. Which of the following states were specifically mentioned as experiencing temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in early May 2026 due to the heatwave?
- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
- Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
- Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar
Explanation: The article states that temperatures soared past 45 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh during the first week of May 2026, prompting a severe heatwave alert.
Q3. What is identified as a primary driver for the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in India?
- Deforestation
- Urbanization
- Industrial pollution
- Climate change
Explanation: The content highlights that climate change, driven by global warming and increased greenhouse gas emissions, is the primary factor contributing to the more frequent and severe heatwave events observed in India.
Q4. The IMD's 'Red Alert' for a heatwave signifies:
- A moderate heat condition requiring normal precautions.
- A severe heat condition that is dangerous and poses a high risk to health.
- A heatwave that is expected to last for more than a month.
- A forecast for normal summer temperatures.
Explanation: A 'Red Alert' issued by the IMD is the highest level of warning, indicating that the heat conditions are extremely severe and dangerous, posing a significant risk to public health and requiring immediate and stringent precautions.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a vulnerable population group during a severe heatwave?
- Elderly individuals
- Young children
- Healthy adults working outdoors
- Pregnant women
Explanation: While anyone can be affected by extreme heat, healthy adults working outdoors are generally less vulnerable than the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, who are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
How to Prepare Environment for Government Exams — उत्तर भारत में भीषण लू (Heatwave) का प्रकोप: आईएम…
Ramsar sites and World Heritage Site additions are announced annually. Compile the year's additions — they are direct exam questions.
For UPSC, understand the international treaty context: Paris Agreement, CBD, CITES, Ramsar — know what each treaty does.
Climate news = policy news. Always note the government response to any environmental event — that's what UPSC Mains tests.
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