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Heatwave grips parts of Maharashtra
Pune too is reporting higher day temperatures and weather officials have cautioned citizens to take precautions in this rising heat
With heat waves being reported across Maharashtra, many parts of the state are witnessing deaths due to heat waves. Pune too is reporting higher day temperatures and weather officials have cautioned citizens to take precautions in this rising heat.
On Monday, Akola in Vidarbha reported the highest maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius. According to the health department, at least four deaths have been reported in Maharashtra. Many parts of the state are experiencing above 40 degrees Celsius day temperatures. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a heat wave situation is when day temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius or they are over 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius warmer than normal during summer. If the day temperature is more than 6.5 degrees Celsius warmer than normal, the condition qualifies as a severe heat wave.
Anupam Kashyapi, weather forecasting department, IMD, said that parts of Vidarbha will continue to experience heat waves in the next few days. “Some parts of western Vidarbha may experience heat wave conditions till April 5. Along with this, isolated thunderstorms and lightning are likely in parts of Maharashtra like Konkan and Goa, central Maharashtra and some parts of Vidarbha till April 6,” said Kashyapi.
About the weather in Pune, Kashyapi said that day and night temperatures in Shivajinagar will remain around 37 to 39 degrees Celsius on Monday.
“On Monday, Shivajinagar reported 38.9 degrees Celsius, Pashan reported 39 degrees Celsius, and Lohegaon reported 39.5 degrees Celsius. Chinchwad reported day temperatures of 41.3 degrees Celsius while Magarpatta reported day temperatures of 40.3 degrees Celsius,” said Kashyapi.
Speaking about heat wave-related illness, Dr Archana Patil, director of health services in Maharashtra said that the heat wave is a silent disaster.
“During the summer season, northern India faces at least five to six heat waves. Between 1992 and 2015, there have been at least 22,562 deaths. Dehydration is the primary symptom of heat-related illness. High risk patients like senior citizens, pregnant women and young children are at great risk of heat-related illnesses. Moreover, patients who work outdoors are also at greater risk. Patients with diabetes, heart-related ailments are also at greater risk,” said Dr Patil.
Heat-related illnesses are categorised as heat stroke, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rashes which are very common during the summer season.
