IMD Weather Alert: Why Humid Heat is Deadlier Than Heatwaves? Key Details

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alerts for several states, including UP, Bihar, and Haryana. Experts warn that humid heat is more lethal than dry heat as it prevents sweat evaporation, leading to severe health risks like heatstroke.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for several states across the country. According to the IMD, temperatures are expected to rise Importantly in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, while in many parts of the country, temperatures may exceed normal levels, crossing the 40 degrees Celsius mark. Along with the rising temperature, humidity is also gradually increasing. The weather forecast clearly states that as temperatures rise, the danger of humid heat will also escalate.

Why Humid Heat is More Dangerous?

There is a scientific reason why humid heat is more dangerous compared to normal dry heat. Generally, when the temperature rises, the body produces sweat, which helps in cooling the body down. The Meteorological Department states that the temperature will cross the 40 degrees Celsius mark. Humid heat works in the opposite way because the body is unable to cool itself. When the moisture content in the air is high, sweat doesn't evaporate, and the body's internal heat can't be released.

As a result, the body's natural cooling system fails to function properly in the heat, causing the body temperature to rise, while this increases the risk of heat stress and heatstroke. During humid weather, cases of dizziness, fainting, and high fever increase. If ignored, the situation can become life-threatening. In such conditions, the air feels heavy, the body tires quickly, and some people experience difficulty in breathing.

When Does Humid Heat Occur and the Impact of Rain?

Humid heat occurs when the temperature is high and there is excessive moisture in the air. In this condition, sweat doesn't dry easily, leading to a feeling of suffocation. Typically, this begins in May and June. Before the arrival of rain, the moisture content in the air increases, and during the monsoon from July to September, humidity remains even higher, while this is especially prevalent in areas near coastal regions or where there is low wind flow. Often, humidity increases after rain because steam rises from the hot ground when it rains. This is why relief is felt during the rain, but intense humidity follows once it stops.