2015 Indian heat wave

The 2015 Indian heat wave was a severe weather event that affected large parts of India during the summer of 2015. It was one of the deadliest heat waves in the country's history, resulting in over 2,500 deaths. The heat wave primarily impacted the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but its effects were felt across many other regions.

Background

Heat waves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. In India, heat waves are common during the pre-monsoon season, typically from March to June. However, the 2015 heat wave was particularly intense and prolonged.

Meteorological Conditions

The heat wave began in late May 2015, with temperatures soaring above 45°C (113°F) in many areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the heat wave was caused by a combination of factors, including a delayed monsoon and a high-pressure system that trapped heat over the region.

Impact

The heat wave had a devastating impact on human health, agriculture, and infrastructure:

• Human Health: The extreme temperatures led to heatstroke and dehydration, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and outdoor workers. Hospitals were overwhelmed with patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.

• Agriculture: The intense heat and lack of rainfall damaged crops, leading to economic losses for farmers.

• Infrastructure: The heat wave caused power outages as the demand for electricity surged due to increased use of air conditioning and fans.

Response

The Indian government and various state governments took several measures to mitigate the impact of the heat wave:

• Public health advisories were issued, urging people to stay indoors during peak heat hours and to stay hydrated.
• Temporary shelters were set up to provide relief to those without access to cooling.
• Water distribution was increased in affected areas.

Aftermath

The 2015 heat wave highlighted the need for better preparedness and response strategies to cope with extreme weather events. It also underscored the importance of addressing climate change, which is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves in the future.

Also see

• Heat wave
• Climate change in India
• 2010 Northern Hemisphere summer heat waves
• 2019 Indian heat wave

2015 Indian heat wave

Affected regions during the 2015 Indian heat wave