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At 41.6° Celsius, Pune records season’s highest temperature in 10 years
The IMD data states the mercury touched 41.5 degree Celsius on April 16 in 2010, and 41.3 degree Celsius on April 30, 2013
At 41.6 degree Celsius, Pune recorded an all-time high in ten years, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD data states the mercury touched 41.5 degree Celsius on April 16 in 2010, and 41.3 degree Celsius on April 30, 2013. “This is also the season’s strongest heat wave,” said Anupam Kashyapi, head, weather, IMD Pune, adding, “This is the first time that it is vigorous in coverage and duration and although such heat waves have happened in the past during summer every year, this time it is really strong.”
The temperature will be rising in the next two to three days and will be at its peak on April 28 in areas of Vidharbha reaching 46 degree Celsius, while Pune will touch 42 degree Celsius, according to IMD.
Kashyapi said, “The heat wave is spread over Vidharbha, north central Maharashtra, Marathwada, north Telangana, parts of Haryana, southern part of Rajasthan, Gujarat, south of Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. This huge coverage and duration will see temperature rising from April 26 to April 29. Its intensity will reach its peak on April 28 in the state.”
The reasons for the heat wave are because of North Westerly hot air over the state and penetrating the region. Besides, there is no strong system (trough line and cyclonic) available over the state. There are no strong disturbances as well as there is poor moisture incursion and presence of anticyclone in the upper air over entire state. Simultaneously, cyclonic storms are likely to approach north Tamil Nadu (due to strong convergence, it will drag available moisture from the states making less moisture), thus adding to the longer duration of the heat wave, a weather department official said.
The IMD has cautioned people that unless it is essential, do not step out in the scorching sun between 11 am and 4 pm. If it is essential, then cover the face and the upper portion with loose cotton garment. Before stepping out, drink enough water (3.5 to 4 litres). Take rest indoors if you have stepped out, and do not stay inside air-conditioned rooms immediately after coming from outdoors. Kashyapi advises to eat light food and if you feel feverish or have headaches, consult a physician as there are chances of dehydration especially for children, senior citizens and pregnant women. IMD forecast slight reduction in temperature post April 29 and cloudy weather with light rain during early May in southern part of Maharashtra.
