India Heatwave 2026 — IMD Early Warning System and Heat Action Plans
Summary
India experienced one of its most severe pre-monsoon heat waves in May 2026, with temperatures exceeding 47°C across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh — 4–6°C above normal for the period.
●The India Meteorological Department issued red alerts across 8 states using its colour-coded Heat Wave Warning System, while the National Disaster Management Authority activated State Heat Action Plans in 15 states.
●The 2026 event follows a pattern of intensifying and earlier-onset heat waves since 2015, consistent with IPCC projections of increased extreme heat frequency under a 1.5°C warming scenario.
Climatology & Weather
Practise past questions on related topics in Arena.
IMD defines a heat wave when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for plains and 30°C for hilly regions, and the departure from normal is 4.5°C or more.
●A severe heat wave is declared when departure exceeds 6.5°C. IMD uses a four-colour warning system — green (no warning), yellow (watch), orange (alert), red (warning/take action). Heat Action Plans (HAPs) are state-level operational frameworks specifying cooling centres, water distribution, hospital preparedness, and worker protection measures.
Heat waves are the deadliest weather hazard in India by mortality — they kill more people annually than floods or cyclones, yet receive less systematic policy attention.
Factual Pointers
Practice · 2 questions
Consider the following statements about heat wave warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD):
1. A heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature departs from normal by at least 4.5°C for plains stations.
2. IMD issues a 'Red Warning' when no protective action is required.
3. The minimum temperature threshold for declaring a heat wave on plains is 40°C.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
India's first city-level Heat Action Plan was developed for which city, and in which year?