Pune: Maharashtra is witnessing an intense heatwave, particularly in Vidarbha, where temperatures have soared beyond 40°C. On Saturday, Chandrapur recorded 42°C, the highest in the state, while Pune also crossed the 40°C mark.
Vidarbha: The Worst-Hit Region
Vidarbha is experiencing the most severe heatwave conditions in Maharashtra. On Saturday, Chandrapur recorded 42°C, one of the highest temperatures in the entire country. Other regions also witnessed extreme heat:
Akola – 41.3°C
Wardha – 41°C
Brahmapuri – 40.8°C
Amravati – 40.4°C
Nagpur – 40.2°C
Solapur – 40.3°C
The temperature in Wardha was 6°C above normal, while Chandrapur was 5°C above normal, indicating an alarming heatwave situation.
Pune Experiences Scorching Heat, Low Humidity
Pune was also affected by extreme heat:
Koregaon Park recorded 40.4°C
Lohegaon recorded 40.3°C
Shivajinagar recorded 38.7°C
The humidity levels in the afternoon ranged between 16-25%, making the heat more unbearable. Low humidity accelerates sweat evaporation, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Health Advisory Issued
Medical experts have urged residents to take precautions during the heatwave:
Stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
Wear loose, light-colored clothing to reduce heat absorption.
Avoid stepping out in the afternoon to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Heatwave Poses Risk to Outdoor Workers
The rising temperatures pose a serious health risk to outdoor workers, including farmers, construction laborers, and daily wage earners. Authorities have warned that extreme heat can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and other severe health issues.
Weather Forecast: Heatwave to Persist in Vidarbha
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the heatwave will continue in Vidarbha for the next two days. However, other parts of Maharashtra, including Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan, and Marathwada, are unlikely to experience heatwave conditions.
Meanwhile, Marathwada may receive light rain on March 20-21, but no signs of pre-monsoon showers are visible in Madhya Maharashtra yet. The weather situation is being monitored closely.
Extreme Heat in Other States
Several states outside Maharashtra also witnessed scorching temperatures on Saturday:
Boudh, Odisha, recorded 42.5°C, making it India’s hottest place.
Sambalpur (42.2°C), Jharsuguda (41.8°C), and Angul (41.7°C) in Odisha also reported high temperatures.
Rajnandgaon (40.5°C) in Chhattisgarh, Chaibasa (41°C), and Daltonganj (40.7°C) in Jharkhand experienced intense heat.
Adilabad, Telangana, recorded 40.8°C.
Precautionary Measures for Citizens
Authorities have issued guidelines to help citizens cope with the heatwave:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Dress Appropriately: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
Avoid Afternoon Sun: Try to remain indoors between 12 PM to 4 PM.
Seek Medical Help: If experiencing dizziness, excessive sweating, or dehydration symptoms, visit a doctor immediately.