Q1. With reference to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) criteria for declaring a heat wave, consider the following statements: 1. A heat wave is declared in the plains when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius with a departure of 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius from normal. 2. A severe heat wave is declared when the departure of maximum temperature from normal exceeds 6.4 degrees Celsius. 3. In hilly areas the threshold maximum temperature for a heat wave declaration is 30 degrees Celsius. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
All three statements are correct. As per IMD criteria, a heat wave is declared in the plains when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius and the departure from normal is 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius. A severe heat wave is declared when the departure exceeds 6.4 degrees from normal. In hilly areas the threshold maximum temperature for heat wave declaration is 30 degrees Celsius (and 37 degrees in coastal areas). IMD on 23 May 2026 extended its heat wave warning till 28 May 2026 with severe heat wave conditions likely over West Rajasthan.