Maharashtra Weather Update: Mercury Touches 45°C in State, IMD Issues Statewide Heatwave Alert
Pune | May 1, 2025 — A relentless heatwave has taken hold of Maharashtra, particularly affecting the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions, as temperatures in several districts soar past 44°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave warnings across multiple parts of the state and urged residents to take precautionary measures.
On April 30, Akola emerged as the hottest city in Maharashtra, recording a searing 45°C, followed by Chandrapur at 44.2°C and Amravati at 44°C. The blistering temperatures have pushed residents indoors and led local authorities to issue public health advisories.
While Mumbai and Pune are not under a formal heatwave alert, the IMD reports that both cities are experiencing hot and humid weather. In Mumbai, May began with clear skies and temperatures expected to range between 27°C (min) and 34°C (max). Pune, on the other hand, has already seen 13 days in April with temperatures above 40°C, surpassing the 12 such days recorded in April 2019. The city continues to endure above-normal heat, with no significant weather systems in sight to bring relief in the next 48 hours.
Despite some earlier unseasonal rainfall and overcast skies across Maharashtra in April, the beginning of May marks a sharp return to extreme heat. The IMD has predicted a 2–3°C dip in temperature in some areas like Pune and Mumbai, but cautions that it won’t be enough to alleviate the overall discomfort.
District-Wise Maximum Temperatures Recorded on April 30:
- Akola: 45°C
- Amravati: 44°C
- Chandrapur: 44.2°C
- Wardha: 43.2°C
- Washim: 42.4°C
- Yavatmal: 41.6°C
- Nagpur: 41.6°C
- Buldhana: 41.1°C
- Gadchiroli: 40.2°C
- Bhandara: 39.6°C
- Gondia: 37.4°C
Marathwada is also bracing for more heat, with districts like Dharashiv, Latur, and Nanded experiencing a spike in temperature amid overcast skies and isolated rainfall. Only North Konkan seems to be escaping the brunt of the heatwave for now.
Adding to the confusion, the IMD has strongly refuted viral social media messages falsely claiming that Pune would experience a record 55°C. Officials have labeled these messages as misleading and urged the public to rely only on official IMD updates.
Why Is It So Hot This Year?
Meteorologists attribute this year’s extreme heat to anticyclonic circulations that have led to consistently above-normal temperatures since January. Pune alone recorded temperature anomalies of +1.2°C in January, +2.2°C in February, and +2°C in March, with April continuing the trend.
What Should You Do?
The IMD is advising citizens across Maharashtra to:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours
- Monitor official weather alerts
- Seek shelter during extreme heat
- Be cautious of heat-related illnesses
As the summer intensifies, residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow guidelines to safeguard against the harsh conditions.
