Temperatures across India have been rising on an average of 0.7 degrees every decade with 2016 the hottest so far. These guidelines prepared by the National Disaster Management Authority will facilitate the stakeholders in preparing and implementing an effective heat wave management and action plan.

[2]It is expected that extreme heat waves will become more common worldwide because of rising average global temperature. Since the beginning of the 21st century, this has increased by nearly a degree Centigrade. This weather pattern, coupled with the El-Nino effect, is increasing the temperatures in Asia. Further, high humidity compounds the effects of the temperatures being felt by human beings. Extreme heat can lead to dangerous, even deadly, consequences, including heat stress and heatstroke. Heat Wave Guidelines aims to facilitate the stakeholders in preparing a Heat Wave Management Plan by providing insight into the heat related illness and the necessary mitigative and response actions to be undertaken. It will also help in mobilization and coordination of various departments, individuals and communities to help and protect their neighbours, friends, relatives, and themselves against avoidable health problems during spells of very hot weather.