At 46°C, Akola & Wardha second hottest in country

Nagpur: Heatwave prevailed in Akola, Amravati and Wardha, which were among the hottest places in the country on Sunday, while heatwave-like conditions were experienced at other locations in Vidarbha. An orange alert has been sounded Akola, Amravati and Wardha for the next two days as the maximum temperature is likely to remain above 45 degrees Celsius. Nagpur and other districts in the region are likely to face heatwave-like conditions with a yellow alert. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Akola and Wardha recorded maximum temperature of 46°C each, while Amravati registered 45.8°C on Sunday. Nationally, Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest place in the country with a maximum temperature of 46.4°C. Akola and Wardha were at the second spot, followed by Amravati.The temperatures were significantly above normal, with departures of +3.4°C in Akola, +3.7°C in Amravati and +2.7°C in Wardha based on observations recorded at 5.30pm on Sunday. The IMD stated that heatwave was realised at all three stations in Vidarbha. Bramhapuri also remained extremely hot at 44.6°C, while Nagpur and Yavatmal recorded 44.4°C each. Chandrapur touched 44°C and Gadchiroli registered 43°C.The weather department said maximum temperatures across most parts of central and adjoining north peninsular India, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and interior Maharashtra remained in the range of 40°C to 45°C. Temperatures crossed 45°C at isolated locations.With no significant rainfall activity reported across Vidarbha during the last 24 hours, weather officials warned that hot and dry conditions are likely to continue over the next few days.# HEAT TAKING A TOLL ON HEALTHThe prolonged spell of extreme heat is also beginning to take a toll on public health, with hospitals in Nagpur witnessing a rise in gastroenteritis and summer diarrhoea cases. Doctors said both children and adults are reporting symptoms such as vomiting, loose motions, stomach cramps, fever and dehydration. As per doctors, nearly 15% to 20% of patients visiting outpatient departments in some hospitals are suffering from stomach-related ailments. Children are among the worst affected due to lower immunity and greater exposure to contaminated food and water while playing outdoors. Health experts attributed the spike in cases to rapid bacterial growth in food and water during high temperatures. "Consumption of stale or uncovered food often leads to food poisoning and gastroenteritis. If children develop vomiting or diarrhoea, parents should immediately consult a doctor instead of relying on home remedies. Maintaining hydration is the most effective protection in this season," said Dr Rajendra Chandak, critical care specialist.Doctors advised citizens to drink boiled or filtered water, avoid roadside food and cut fruits, wash hands regularly, and consume plenty of fluids such as lemon water, buttermilk and ORS to prevent dehydration.