IMD to revamp heatwave alerts, introduce percentile-based thresholds for first time
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to revise its heatwave alert system by introducing percentile-based thresholds. This change aims to better account for the impact of humidity on heat stress, particularly in coastal regions. The new alerts will be triggered when temperatures exceed the 95th percentile for specific locations, addressing gaps in the existing criteria.
- ▪IMD will implement a percentile-based approach for heatwave alerts for the first time.
- ▪A heat alert will be issued when maximum temperatures exceed the 95th percentile for a location.
- ▪The change aims to address the dangers of high humidity in coastal areas that may not reach absolute temperature thresholds.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
IMD to revamp heatwave alerts, introduce percentile-based thresholds for first timeUnder the new framework, a heat alert will be triggered when maximum temperatures exceed the 95th percentile for a given location.Updated on: May 17, 2026 10:56 AM ISTBy Jayashree NandiShare viaCopy link India’s heat wave warning system is set for its most significant revision in years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is planning to expand its criteria for heat alerts to include a percentile-based threshold — a shift that would, for the first time, formally capture the kind of humid, oppressive heat that coastal regions routinely experience but that existing guidelines have long failed to flag.The percentile-based approach has been welcomed by scientists.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Hindustan Times — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Hindustan Times — Top
