Maharashtra: Heatwave over Vidarbha to intensify in next 3-4 days: IMD

“These areas will continue to experience very hot conditions and will face a severe heatwave till April 30. As there is little moisture available, it is preventing any cloud cover formation, which could otherwise bring some respite from this scorching heat,” said Anupam Kashyapi, head of the weather department at India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune.

Pune recorded its hottest day this season as the mercury soared to 41.1 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. This is the first time since 2013 that the city has recorded such a high day temperature in April.

Hot and dry conditions under the prevailing heatwave largely persisted over Gujarat, Saurashtra, Kutch, Rajasthan and regions of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday. “More areas in the western and central India regions will come under the influence of severe heatwave conditions that will last till the end of this month,” said Met officials.

The IMD has advised people to stay indoors between 11 am and 4 pm as the heatwave may cause fatalities. Met officials have also urged people to stay hydrated and keep themselves covered whenever they step out in the afternoon.

According to the IMD, there is a strong possibility of a cyclonic storm developing over the Bay of Bengal, which will approach Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka coasts around April 30. “Gale winds and heavy rainfall associated with this system is likely to hit the east coast along Tamil Nadu. We are monitoring the system closely,” said Kashyapi.

As a result, the moisture from the mainland could be pulled over eastwards, making regions in central and west India including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat drier. “This could result in increased temperatures over most parts of the country in the next three to four days,” explained the IMD weather head.