Maharashtra is witnessing a shift in weather conditions, with the cold gradually disappearing from the state. Cold wave conditions were observed in parts of Marathwada, North Maharashtra, and Konkan during the morning hours. However, after 8 AM, temperatures have been rising, leading to heat stroke-like conditions.
According to the IMD, the mercury has soared to 40 degrees Celsius in some districts, including Nandurbar. As a result, people are experiencing heat wave conditions. Authorities have urged citizens to take necessary precautions while stepping out.
Nandurbar and Karad in Satara district recorded the highest temperatures in Maharashtra on Friday, with both locations reaching 40 degrees Celsius. In Pune, temperatures ranged between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius in most areas.
Typically, summer begins in February in India. However, cold wave conditions persisted across several parts of Maharashtra until the first week of the month. Since then, the weather has gradually shifted, and temperatures in some districts are now approaching the 40-degree mark.
Maximum temperatures are being recorded across various districts of Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra, prompting authorities to advise people to avoid stepping out during peak heat hours.
According to Dr. K. S. Hosalikar, former chief of IMD Pune, the state recorded its minimum temperatures on February 14. Satara reported 34.4 degrees Celsius, Sangli 35.4 degrees, Ratnagiri 37.2 degrees, Solapur 36.4 degrees, Mumbai (Santacruz) 36.7 degrees, Kolhapur 34 degrees, Pune 34.5 degrees, and Thane 34.8 degrees.
While temperatures remained normal until last week, Hosalikar noted that the mercury has been rising by one to one-and-a-half degrees Celsius over the past week.