At 44.2 degrees Celsius, Akola sees day's highest temperature in India; parts of Maharashtra sizzle

Large parts of Maharashtra are in the grip of intense heat with Akola recording a scorching 442 degrees Celsius on Wednesday the highest maximum temperature in the country for the day according to the India Meteorological DepartmentThe extreme conditions have pushed multiple cities in the state to the top of the national temperature chart signalling a deepening heatwave across the Vidarbha regionVidarbha Cities Dominate National Heat ChartAlongside Akola Amravati recorded 44 degrees Celsius followed closely by Wardha at 439 degrees Celsius and Nagpur at 434 degrees Celsius These cities ranked among the hottest in India on WednesdayAnantapur also recorded 434 degrees Celsius matching Nagpurrsquos temperature Other severely affected locations included Solapur at 433 degrees Celsius Malegaon at 432 degrees Celsius and Beed at 431 degrees CelsiusOutside Maharashtra Prayagraj and Rajnandgaon also recorded high temperatures of 43 degrees CelsiusHeatwave Conditions Likely to IntensifyIMD officials warned that heatwave conditions are expected to persist and intensify across most districts of Vidarbha over the next few days According to meteorologists there will be little to no relief from the heat in the coming four to five days with temperatures likely to rise furtherExperts attributed the spike in temperatures to an anticyclonic circulation prevailing over Maharashtra and adjoining regions at an altitude of around 31 km above mean sea level This system is preventing cloud formation and enhancing heat buildup across the regionAlerts Issued Across MaharashtraThe IMD has issued heatwave warnings for several districts including Akola Amravati Wardha Nagpur Yavatmal Washim Buldhana Chandrapur and Bhandara in VidarbhaIn addition a yellow alert has been sounded for parts of western Maharashtra and Marathwada including Sangli Solapur Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Jalna Parbhani and Hingoli indicating that residents should remain cautious as temperatures continue to soarWestern Maharashtra and Marathwada Also AffectedSeveral areas in western Maharashtra and Marathwada recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius Sangli reported 418 degrees Celsius Baramati 402 degrees Celsius Parbhani 42 degrees Celsius Jalgaon 423 degrees Celsius Ahilyanagar 419 degrees Celsius Dharashiv 41 degrees Celsius and Satara 40 degrees CelsiusMeanwhile coastal regions such as Ratnagiri recorded relatively lower temperatures at 328 degrees Celsius However high humidity levels added to discomfort Mumbairsquos Santacruz Observatory recorded 345 degrees Celsius while Colaba Observatory recorded 342 degrees CelsiusSchools Shut Advisory IssuedIn response to the extreme heat authorities in Wardha district ordered the closure of schools for the day Officials have also advised residents particularly in vulnerable regions to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours unless necessaryRelief Expected After April 21According to IMD forecasts the ongoing heatwave is expected to continue for the next few days with a possible dip in temperatures likely only after April 21Agricultural experts have also warned that parts of Marathwada could witness further temperature spikes of up to 4ndash5 degrees Celsius over the next 48 to 72 hours increasing the risk of severe heatwave conditionsWith inputs from PTI