At 44.2°C, Akolahottest in the countryfor third straight day; half of Maha stares at heatwave risks

Kolhapur: More than half of Maharashtra continues to reel under heatwave conditions, with maximum temperatures persistently crossing the 40°C-mark. Akola recorded a scorching 44.2°C on Thursday, the highest temperature not only in the state but also across the country.Several other cities registered extreme heat levels as well, with Amravati hitting a blistering 44°C, followed by Wardha (43.9°C), Nagpur and Solapur (43.4°C each), Yavatmal (42.8°C), Chandrapur (42.6°C), Buldana (42.4°C), Jalgaon (42.3°C), Parbhani and Jeur (42°C each), Ahilyanagar (41.9°C), Nanded and Sangli (41.8°C), Dharashiv (41°C), Satara (40.9°C) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (40.8°C). Pune and Kolhapur narrowly missed the 40°C threshold with 39.7°C and 39.6°C, respectively.Mumbai-based weather expert Shantanu Patil said India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared a heatwave in the plains when temperatures exceeded 40°C, and in the hilly regions when they crossed 30°C, provided such conditions were recorded at a minimum of two stations for two consecutive days. "For coastal areas, a heatwave is identified when temperatures are at least 4.5°C above normal, with the actual maximum temperature crossing 37°C," Patil said.Amid the relentless heat, unseasonal rainfall is expected to provide some respite. IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms over the weekend. On Saturday, thunderstorms are likely in Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Latur and Dharashiv. Similar weather conditions are expected on Sunday in districts like Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, Pune, Sangli, Jalna, Beed and Hingoli, which may offer brief relief from the intense heat.Speaking about the unusual timing of the heatwave, Manoj Raut, a professor at a science college in Solapur, said such extreme temperatures were typically recorded in May. "This time, the heat has arrived much earlier. Roads in the city are almost deserted during peak afternoon hours as people avoid stepping out. Unseasonal rainfall is much needed to bring down the soaring temperatures," he said.Meanwhile, weather authorities have issued advisories urging people to avoid outdoor activities during peak daytime hours. Citizens are advised to stay well hydrated, drink water frequently even if not feeling thirsty, cover their heads and wear lightweight, light-coloured and loose cotton clothing. People are also urged to remain alert to symptoms of heat-related illnesses like weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating, muscle cramps and seizures.