Maharashtra Braces for Scorching Week as Heatwave Conditions Loom; Akola Hits 44°C

PUNE – Maharashtra is settling into a period of intense heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts above-normal maximum temperatures across the state for at least the next week. Experts are warning of potential heatwave-like conditions in several districts as summer tightening its grip on the region.

K S Hosalikar, Former Head of Climate Research & Services at IMD Pune, said that according to current models, the mercury is expected to stay elevated well beyond the seasonal average. “The maximum temperature in the state is likely to remain above normal for the next one week plus,” Hosalikar stated, adding that certain pockets within Maharashtra should prepare for heatwave-like scenarios.

Statewide Temperature Snapshot

The state is currently experiencing a wide thermal range, with the highest and lowest temperatures recorded yesterday highlighting the diversity of the heat progression:

• Highest Maximum Temperature: Akola in the Vidarbha region topped the charts at 44.0°C.
• Lowest Minimum Temperature: Pune (Shivajinagar) recorded the state’s lowest minimum at 20.0°C.

Regional Temperature Insights

Data from the latest IMD report reveals significant warming across all major divisions:

• Vidarbha: This region remains the hottest in the state, with most stations consistently crossing the 42°C mark. Beyond Akola’s peak, Wardha reached 43.5°C, Amravati hit 43.8°C, and Yavatmal recorded 42.6°C.
• Central Maharashtra (Madhya Maharashtra): Temperatures here are hovering between 38°C and 41°C. Solapur led the division at 43.2°C, followed by Jalgaon at 42.5°C and Lohgaon at 41.8°C.
• Marathwada: This region is seeing highs between 41°C and 42°C, with Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar recording 41.4°C and Parbhani reaching 42.1°C.
• Konkan & Goa: While numerically lower, this region is experiencing “hot and humid” conditions with temperatures between 34°C and 36°C. Santacruz (Mumbai) recorded 36.0°C, while Ratnagiri and Panjim both sat at 34.0°C.

Pune Forecast: Mercury to Climb

Residents of Pune should prepare for increasingly uncomfortable days. While the city recently enjoyed a relatively cool minimum of 20.0°C, the forecast for tomorrow indicates a sharp climb.

Under a mainly clear sky, Pune is expected to witness a maximum temperature of approximately 41°C, with some models suggesting it could reach 42°C in the coming days. The minimum temperature is expected to fluctuate between 20°C and 21°C, offering only slight relief during the night hours.

Authorities advise citizens to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours as the state enters this prolonged period of high thermal stress.