Large parts of Maharashtra are in the grip of intense heat, with Akola recording a scorching 44.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday – the highest maximum temperature in the country for the day, according to the India Meteorological Department.
The extreme conditions have pushed multiple cities in the state to the top of the national temperature chart, signalling a deepening heatwave across the Vidarbha region.
Vidarbha Cities Dominate National Heat Chart
Alongside Akola, Amravati recorded 44 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Wardha at 43.9 degrees Celsius and Nagpur at 43.4 degrees Celsius. These cities ranked among the hottest in India on Wednesday.
Anantapur also recorded 43.4 degrees Celsius, matching Nagpur’s temperature. Other severely affected locations included Solapur at 43.3 degrees Celsius, Malegaon at 43.2 degrees Celsius, and Beed at 43.1 degrees Celsius.
Outside Maharashtra, Prayagraj and Rajnandgaon also recorded high temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave Conditions Likely to Intensify
IMD officials warned that heatwave conditions are expected to persist and intensify across most districts of Vidarbha over the next few days. According to meteorologists, there will be little to no relief from the heat in the coming four to five days, with temperatures likely to rise further.
Experts attributed the spike in temperatures to an anti-cyclonic circulation prevailing over Maharashtra and adjoining regions at an altitude of around 3.1 km above mean sea level. This system is preventing cloud formation and enhancing heat build-up across the region.
Alerts Issued Across Maharashtra
The IMD has issued heatwave warnings for several districts, including Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Nagpur, Yavatmal, Washim, Buldhana, Chandrapur, and Bhandara in Vidarbha.
In addition, a yellow alert has been sounded for parts of western Maharashtra and Marathwada, including Sangli, Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, and Hingoli, indicating that residents should remain cautious as temperatures continue to soar.
Western Maharashtra and Marathwada Also Affected
Several areas in western Maharashtra and Marathwada recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Sangli reported 41.8 degrees Celsius, Baramati 40.2 degrees Celsius, Parbhani 42 degrees Celsius, Jalgaon 42.3 degrees Celsius, Ahilyanagar 41.9 degrees Celsius, Dharashiv 41 degrees Celsius, and Satara 40 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, coastal regions such as Ratnagiri recorded relatively lower temperatures at 32.8 degrees Celsius. However, high humidity levels added to discomfort. Mumbai’s Santacruz Observatory recorded 34.5 degrees Celsius, while Colaba Observatory recorded 34.2 degrees Celsius.
Schools Shut, Advisory Issued
In response to the extreme heat, authorities in Wardha district ordered the closure of schools for the day. Officials have also advised residents, particularly in vulnerable regions, to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours unless necessary.
Relief Expected After April 21
According to IMD forecasts, the ongoing heatwave is expected to continue for the next few days, with a possible dip in temperatures likely only after April 21.
Agricultural experts have also warned that parts of Marathwada could witness further temperature spikes of up to 4–5 degrees Celsius over the next 48 to 72 hours, increasing the risk of severe heatwave conditions.
(With inputs from PTI)
