Weather update: Heat wave to strike Akola, Amravati, Chandrapur

Representational image

Temperatures are most likely to rise in many parts of Maharashtra as reported by the Indian Meteorological Department. Several districts are also predicted to have momentary solace with rains and thunderstorms. With deteriorating conditions, the IMD warns people to brace themselves and prepare for the upcoming days.

The state can expect its highest temperatures at 46 degrees Celsius in the Akola district on Friday followed by heat wave declarations in Amravati and Chandrapur at 45 degrees Celcius each. The wave is expected to continue in Akola for the next four days while Amravati and Chandrapur are predicted to have the wave for the next two days.

Amidst the sweltering temperatures across the state, Nagpur, Yavatmal, Gadchiroli, Gondia Bhandara and Wardha can expect relief from the heat as showers are predicted on Friday and the following two days.

The IMD has issued yellow alerts in 23 districts for the next two days including Dhule, Akola, Amravati, Bhandara and Nagpur with Akola having yellow alerts for the entire week. The IMD report states "Thunderstorm Lightning With Gusty Wind Speed Reaching 3040 Kmph Most Likely To Occur At Isolated Places" in its city forecast reports. The minimum temperature expected is 27 in the upcoming week in almost all districts.

Weather update: High night temperatures

Elevated temperatures at night are deemed hazardous as they prevent the body from cooling down. The urban heat island effect, which causes metro regions to be noticeably hotter than their surroundings, makes rising temperatures more likely in cities.

In certain regions of the nation, the intense heat causes drought-like conditions by drying up water sources and taxing electrical grids. The Central Water Commission reports that last week saw the lowest level of water storage in 150 major Indian reservoirs in five years, worsening the country's water shortages in numerous regions and having a substantial impact on hydropower production.

Weather update: Heat wave in India

The intense heat that was suffocating vast regions of India persisted unabatedly, as evidenced by the temperature reaching 48 degrees Celsius in Barmer, Rajasthan - the highest recorded national temperature of the year. According to official data, at least 24 locations in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh saw maximum temperatures on Wednesday that were 45 degrees Celsius or above. The hottest temperature of 48 degrees Celsius this season was recorded at Barmer, Rajasthan. A high of 47.4 degrees was recorded by Churu, 47.8 degrees by Phalodi, and 47.2 degrees by Jaisalmer.