Odisha faces extreme UV levels amid heatwave: Know causes and effects

Odisha is currently enduring an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring past the 40°C mark across multiple districts, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing orange and yellow alerts for regions such as Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Boudh, Bolangir, Sonepur, and Sundargarh, warning that severe conditions are expected to persist until 27 April.

In addition to the blistering temperatures, the state is witnessing an alarming surge in the Ultraviolet (UV) Index, an often overlooked yet critical element of daily weather forecasts that has significant implications for health, agriculture, and the environment.

Understanding the UV Index: More Than Just Sunshine

The UV Index measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a specific location and time. It ranges from 0 (minimal risk) to 11+ (extreme risk), providing a vital guide to potential harm from sun exposure.

At extreme levels, unprotected skin can suffer burns within minutes, greatly increasing the risk of skin cancer, eye damage, and accelerated skin ageing. High UV exposure also heightens the perception of heat, making the prevailing weather feel even more oppressive.

Recognising the UV Index is essential not only for individual protection but also for understanding its broader impacts on ecosystems and public health.

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Why Odisha's UV Levels Are Surging

Geographical and Climatic Factors

Odisha's proximity to the Tropic of Cancer means it experiences high solar angles and intense sunlight, particularly during the summer months.

Clear skies, typical of Odisha's tropical climate during this season, allow minimal obstruction of solar radiation, leading to higher UV exposure.

Atmospheric Changes and Urbanisation

Global ozone layer depletion, aggravated by climate change, permits more UV rays to penetrate the atmosphere.

Additionally, urbanisation in cities like Bhubaneswar has intensified the 'urban heat island' effect. Concrete and asphalt surfaces absorb and re-radiate heat, compounding both temperature and UV radiation impacts.

The Wide-Ranging Effects of Extreme UV Exposure

Health Implications

Exposure to extreme UV levels heightens the risks of various health issues, including sunburn, dehydration, heatstroke, and eye conditions such as cataracts. Vulnerable populations, including children, senior citizens, and outdoor workers, remain at increased risk.

Medical professionals strongly recommend avoiding outdoor activities between 10 am and 4 pm, wearing wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses, applying SPF 50+ sunscreen, and seeking shade whenever possible.

Impact on Agriculture

Odisha's agriculture, already under strain from high temperatures, faces additional challenges from extreme UV radiation. Damage to plant tissues, impaired photosynthesis, reduced soil microbial activity, and lower crop yields are major concerns.

Farmers are advised to adapt by using shade nets, switching to UV-resistant crop varieties, and adopting climate-resilient farming practices.

Ecosystem Disruptions

Elevated UV radiation also disrupts ecosystems, particularly aquatic environments where plankton populations, critical to the food chain, are affected. Terrestrial plants and animals may also experience stress, leading to shifts in biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

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Addressing an Invisible Threat

As Odisha confronts the compounded threats of extreme heat and high UV radiation, understanding and responding to the UV Index becomes more crucial than ever. It is not just a technical number but a real and present factor influencing health, agriculture, and the environment.

In the face of intensifying climate variability, awareness, adaptation, and proactive mitigation strategies are indispensable. Safeguarding oneself against UV exposure today is key to building a healthier tomorrow.