Heat Waves over India

Abstract

This paper presents a review on the studies on heat wave over India. A brief summary of the characteristics of the maximum temperatures and the heat wave impacts is presented in the first section. A brief discussion of heat wave vulnerability specifically for humans is outlined. The availability of temperature data for the Indian subcontinent is portrayed. A chronological review of scientific studies on the characteristic of Heat wave over India based on observation and model simulations is provided. The scientific studies on the understanding of heat wave characteristics in conformity with the improvements in observation network and analysis methodologies have been illustrated.  A brief description  of the "Heat Action Plan" initiated by the Government of India to mitigate the  Heat Wave vulnerability as a part of disaster management is given. Finally, scientific studies on heat waves in India is summarized.