14 May,2026 07:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Coastal areas, including Mumbai and the Konkan belt, remained comparatively milder, with maximum temperatures ranging between 33 and 36.2 degrees Celsius. Representational pic
As Maharashtra continues to grapple with an unrelenting heatwave, temperatures across the state soared well above normal on Thursday, prompting concerns among residents and authorities alike.
In Pune, the maximum temperature touched 38.6 degrees Celsius, marking a departure of 1.1 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 25.7 degrees Celsius, which was 3.4 degrees higher than usual. The city recorded no rainfall during the day, with relative humidity dropping sharply from 51 per cent at 8.30 am to 31 per cent by 5.30 pm.
For Friday, the forecast indicates mainly clear skies that may turn partly cloudy towards the afternoon or evening.
Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 39 degrees Celsius, with night-time lows near 26 degrees Celsius, offering little relief from the ongoing heat.
The situation was far more severe in other parts of the state. Vidarbha emerged as the hottest region, with Akola recording the highest maximum temperature in Maharashtra at a blistering 45.9 degrees Celsius, a significant 3.7 degrees above normal. Several other stations also reported extreme readings, including Wardha at 45.5 degrees Celsius, Jalgaon at 45.3 degrees Celsius, Nagpur at 44.0 degrees Celsius, and Parbhani at 43.9 degrees Celsius. Even Pune's Lohegaon airport area sizzled at 41.3 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the hill station of Mahabaleshwar provided some respite, recording the state's lowest minimum temperature of 20.2 degrees Celsius.
Coastal areas, including Mumbai and the Konkan belt, remained comparatively milder, with maximum temperatures ranging between 33 and 36.2 degrees Celsius. Stations such as Santacruz (34.1 degrees Celsius), Ratnagiri (33.0 degrees Celsius), and Panjim (36.2 degrees Celsius) escaped the extreme heat seen in the interior regions.
While no rainfall was reported in Central Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Konkan-Goa, Pune recorded excess seasonal rainfall. The city has recorded 92.8 mm of rainfall this season against a normal of 22.8 mm.
Meanwhile, IMD has issued strong advisories amid the intense heat conditions. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and outdoor labourers. Residents are strongly urged to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours between 11 am and 4 pm, wear light-coloured and loose clothing, and use umbrellas or hats when stepping outdoors. Farmers and construction workers have been advised to reschedule heavy physical activities to early morning or late evening hours.
