The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has developed the Heat Index on an experimental basis, according to the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The IMD Heat Index
- The Heat Index is intended to provide basic guidelines for areas in India where a combination of temperature and humidity results in higher apparent temperatures, causing discomfort for people.
- It is calculated using an equation similar to that used by the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States.
- It takes humidity into account while calculating high temperatures, delivering a “feel-like” temperature for humans and measuring the amount of discomfort.
Experimental Heat Index Colour Codes
- The Heat Index is expressed by several colour codes to depict the various levels of heat impact and discomfort:
- Green: less than 35°C
- Yellow: 36-45°C temperature range
- Orange: 46-55°C temperature range
- Red: temperatures above 55°C
Heat Impact Mitigation in India
- The Heat Index is now being tested in many parts of India, including Andhra Pradesh.
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) engages with local organisations such as the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) to implement the Heat Index project in Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedabad under the Heat Action Plan.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1941012#:~:text=Heat%20Index%20provides%20guidance%20towards,people%20to%20reduce%20human%20discomfort&text=Union%20Minister%20of%20Earth%20Sciences,Heat%20Index%20on%20experimental%20basis.