Akola records country’s highest temperature at 46.9 degrees Celsius as heatwave conditions grips parts of Maharashtra

Severe conditions in parts of the state are likely to persist until Tuesday, officials said. Representational Pic/File

The Akola district in Maharashtra has recorded the highest temperature in the country at a blistering 46.9 degrees Celsius, as several parts of the Vidarbha region continue to reel under an intense heatwave, reported the PTI.

According to officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), these severe conditions in parts of the state are likely to persist until Tuesday.

Data from the Regional Meteorological Centre in Nagpur shows that Amravati followed closely at 46.8 degrees Celsius. Wardha registered 46.4 degrees Celsius, while Yavatmal touched 46 degrees Celsius. Nagpur recorded 45.4 degrees Celsius and Chandrapur reached 45 degrees Celsius. All these locations experienced heatwave conditions, with other districts also reporting above-normal temperatures, according to the PTI.

"Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal, Chandrapur and Nagpur experienced heat wave conditions, while several other districts reported above-normal temperatures," RMC scientist Dr Praveen Kumar told PTI.

Factors behind heatwave

Experts attribute the prolonged spell of extreme heat to an anticyclonic circulation prevailing over Maharashtra and neighbouring regions. Additionally, hot and dry north-westerly winds have been continuously sweeping across Vidarbha, intensifying the heat. Weak western disturbances and the lack of moisture-bearing systems have further contributed to the rise in temperatures, the news agency reported.

Alerts issued in the region

The IMD has issued an ‘orange' alert for Akola, Amravati and Wardha districts in Maharashtra, indicating the need for preparedness, while a ‘yellow' alert - signifying caution - has been sounded for Nagpur, Chandrapur and Yavatmal. Maximum temperatures in these areas are expected to range between 45 degrees Celsius and 46 degrees Celsius, with isolated locations potentially touching 47 degrees Celsius, as per the PTI.

Relief likely after Tuesday

A slight respite is expected after Tuesday, with temperatures predicted to dip by 2-3 degrees Celsius. There is also a possibility of rainfall accompanied by gusty winds in the coming days, which may help ease the prevailing conditions, the news agency reported.

The IMD uses a colour-coded warning system to indicate the severity of weather conditions: green (no warning), yellow (be aware), orange (be prepared), and red (take action). These alerts help authorities and the public take necessary precautions during extreme weather events.

(with PTI inputs)