Maharashtra Heatwave Intensifies; Akola Tops Nation At 46.9°C

Mumbai: Various parts of Maharashtra continued to reel under the severe heatwave, with Akola recording the highest temperature in the country at 46.9°C. Heatwave conditions are expected to continue in parts of Vidarbha region until Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, noting that maximum temperatures may reach 45 to 46 degrees Celsius and in isolated places it may reach 47 degrees Celsius.

While Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal, Chandrapur and Nagpur experienced heatwave conditions, above normal temperatures were reported in many other districts. Amravati recorded 46.8 degrees Celsius, Wardha recorded 46.4 degrees Celsius, Yavatmal recorded 46 degrees Celsius, Nagpur recorded 45.4 degrees Celsius and Chandrapur recorded 45 degrees Celsius, MeT officials said.

IMD has warned that extreme heat will affect most parts of Maharashtra in the coming days. While an ‘orange’ alert indicating the need to be prepared was issued for Akola, Amravati and Wardha regions, a yellow alert meaning ‘caution’ was sounded for Nagpur, Chandrapur and Yavatmal.

Maximum temperatures in these regions are expected to range between 45 degrees Celsius and 46 degrees Celsius; In isolated places, it is expected to potentially reach 47 degrees Celsius. Relief is expected on Wednesday, with a drop of 2-3 degrees Celsius and potential rainfall.

The above-normal and persistently high temperatures prevailing over Vidarbha can be attributed to the anticyclonic circulation in Maharashtra and adjoining regions. It was also stated that hot and dry northwest winds constantly affect the region.

Meanwhile, Mumbai will get a welcome respite from the ongoing heatwave, with the IMD predicting temperatures will drop to around 33 degrees Celsius next week. This forecast comes after days of sweltering conditions, with maximum temperatures rising to 39 degrees Celsius in some parts of the city.

Maximum temperatures in the city on Monday were recorded at 34.5°C in Colaba and 34.3°C in Santacruz.