The sweltering grip of a heatwave can be felt across regions of the nation. According to the Meteorological Department, central India is reeling under intense heat. Reports indicate that areas in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rayalaseema are facing severe heatwave conditions. On March 28, most regions recorded a sizzling high of 41 degrees Celsius. Forecasts suggest a further escalation in temperatures in the days ahead.
In Guna, Madhya Pradesh, a scorching 41.6 degrees were recorded on March 28. Similarly, Sagar hit a high of 42.5 degrees, both cities marking a significant 5-degree rise above the usual. Over in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, Akola registered a temperature of 42.6 degrees. The onslaught of heat continues in the Rayalaseema area too, with Kurnool and Nandyal recording temperatures of 41.9 and 42.0 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings to residents of these areas, advising them to stay indoors during peak heat hours and shared guidelines to avoid heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
What Exactly is a Heatwave?
The term 'heatwave' denotes a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which typically occurs during the summer season, mainly from March to June. It is relatively rare for it to extend into July. According to IMD, a heatwave condition is declared when maximum temperatures at any plains station reach at least 40 degrees Celsius. In hilly regions, a threshold of minimum 30 degrees signifies a heatwave. Coastal areas are marked by a similar condition at 37 degrees Celsius. Notably, a heatwave is pronounced whenever the temperature spikes at least 4.5 degrees above the norm.
