PARLIAMENT QUESTION: HEATWAVE FORECASTING AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL

Key Highlights:

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues district-level heatwave warnings and Impact-Based Forecasts (IBFs) twice daily.
• Forecasts include expected impact and suggested actions, aligning with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines and Heat Action Plans.
• IMD developed the Hazard and Vulnerability Atlas of India for district-wise heatwave vulnerability assessments.
• Barmer district, Rajasthan, has a Heatwave Vulnerability Index of 0.54, categorizing it as High Vulnerability.
• Warnings are disseminated through multiple channels to various stakeholders and the general public.
• IMD provides seasonal, monthly, and extended-range temperature and heatwave outlooks since 2016.

Detailed Insights:

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) oversees IMD's efforts in heatwave monitoring and early warning systems.
• Impact-Based Forecasts (IBFs) are crucial for proactive disaster management by providing actionable advice.
• The Hazard and Vulnerability Atlas of India is a key tool for identifying and prioritizing vulnerable regions.
• Dissemination channels include email, APIs, mobile apps, social media, websites, and Common Alerting Protocol (CAP).
• IMD shares bulletins with diverse stakeholders like health, labour, railways, and forest departments.
• A pilot initiative targets informal workers with easy-to-understand, actionable heatwave warnings through their associations.
• NDMA holds regular meetings to ensure effective utilization of IMD forecasts for anticipatory and on-the-ground actions.
• Most heatwave-related products are openly accessible to the general public on a web-GIS-based platform.
• Strengthening of systems involves collaboration between IMD, NDMA, State agencies, and local health departments.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Impact-Based Forecasts (IBFs): Weather forecasts that describe the potential effects of weather events on society and the economy.
• Heat Action Plans: Comprehensive strategies developed by states/cities to prepare for and respond to heatwaves.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Apex body for disaster management in India, responsible for policies, plans, and guidelines.
• Common Alerting Protocol (CAP): A digital message format for exchanging public warnings and emergencies.