Brace for heat: Extreme heatwave to hit Maharashtra, IMD issues alert
From Vidarbha to Konkan, large parts of Maharashtra are in the grip of an intense early-summer heat surge. Even the nights offer little relief.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for several regions of Maharashtra as scorching conditions continue to tighten their grip across the state.
Pune, one of the worst-affected cities, has seen maximum temperatures cross 43°C in some areas over the past few days, marking unusually high temperatures even by Maharashtra's demanding summer standards.
According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are likely to persist across different parts of the state through the coming days.
The conditions will prevail in Vidarbha until May 16, in Marathwada until May 15, and in Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Gujarat until May 14.
The alerts cover a vast stretch of western and central India, affecting millions of people.
NIGHTS GETTING WARMER
What makes this heat spell particularly punishing is that temperatures are not dropping meaningfully after sunset, a trend that deprives the body of the overnight recovery it needs to cope with the next day's heat.
Across Pune, minimum temperatures, which are the lowest the city registers overnight, have climbed to uncomfortable levels.
Magarpatta recorded a minimum of 28.1°C, Koregaon Park 27.6°C, and Lohegaon 27°C.
Even the relatively greener Shivajinagar logged 26.3°C. By contrast, areas with more open land and vegetation told a different story.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla recorded just 21.8°C, Lavale 23.7°C, and Pashan 24.2°C.
The nearly 7°C difference between Magarpatta and NDA within the same city is something that can't be ignored, and is something experts are not treating as a coincidence.
SAME CITY, DIFFERENT HEAT
Meteorologist Dr Sanap attributed the sharp variation in temperatures in the same city to the urban heat island effect.
The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon where densely built neighbourhoods become significantly hotter than surrounding areas. Meaning, concrete buildings, asphalt roads, vehicular exhaust, and shrinking green cover absorb heat during the day and release it slowly through the night, keeping built-up localities warmer for hours after sunset.
Meanwhile, areas with more vegetation and open space lose heat faster, cooling down considerably by morning.
Maharashtra's current heat wave is consistent with a broader pattern of rising summer temperatures across India.
The IMD has already issued heatwave warnings across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat this week, with temperatures in parts of Rajasthan crossing 47°C.
Health authorities have advised residents across all affected regions to avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and wear light, loose clothing when stepping out.