Vidarbha Sizzles Under Severe Heatwave as Sudden Storms Bring Brief Relief, Damage in Amravati

Nagpur/Amravati/Akola: Vidarbha continued to reel under an intense heatwave on Tuesday, though sudden spells of rain and thunderstorms brought brief relief to parts of Amravati, Nagpur, Wardha, and Bhandara.Brahmapuri remained among the hottest places in the country at 46.6°C, while Nagpur recorded 45.5°C. Light rain in parts of Nagpur prevented the mercury from crossing 46°C again. Chandrapur, Wardha, and Gondia also featured among India's hottest locations, keeping Vidarbha firmly on the national heat map.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Wardha, Amravati, and Chandrapur for Wednesday, warning of severe heatwave conditions. An orange alert remains in place for Nagpur and Gadchiroli.The IMD said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions, along with warm nights, are likely to persist in isolated pockets of Vidarbha till May 29.Meteorologists have also forecast a fresh western disturbance over northwest India from May 28, which is expected to trigger thunderstorms and rainfall across Vidarbha from May 29 onwards.Amravati witnessed a dramatic weather shift on Tuesday afternoon as heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds swept through the city and adjoining areas between 3.45pm and 4.30pm, leaving a trail of damage. Strong winds uprooted trees and damaged hoardings in several localities, while fallen trees disrupted traffic at a few places.The rain also caused losses to farmers after wheat and tur stored in the open at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee yard were drenched. Similar weather conditions were reported from Morshi and other tehsils."During the last 24 hours, light rain occurred at isolated places in Vidarbha. Heatwave conditions were recorded at eight stations and severe heatwave at one station. Maximum temperatures ranged between 41.7°C and 47.6°C, remaining appreciably above normal," the department stated.Meanwhile, the prolonged spell of extreme heat has raised environmental concerns. Environmentalist Suresh Chopne said 38 fire incidents were detected in Chandrapur district, most of them in Brahmapuri, where soaring temperatures aided the rapid spread of fires.Nafis Sheikh, district president of INTUC, alleged poor implementation of the heat action plan in Kamptee and Kalamna areas."Unskilled workers, buyers and animals have been left exposed to the harsh sun. Despite severe heatwave conditions, proper protective measures are missing," he said.In Buldhana, lightning strike killed a 50-year-old man, identified as Laxmikant Deshmukh, in Raheri Budruk village of Sindkhed Raja taluka, while another man, Balu Magar (45), sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment in Jalna.According to officials, the incident occurred around 9pm when the two were returning home on a motorcycle from their farmland.Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and hail also battered Deulgaon Raja and Mehkar talukas. Several villages reported strong winds that uprooted trees, blew away tin rooftops and disrupted power supply.Sudden rain has raised concern among farmers ahead of the agricultural season. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed survey to assess the extent of damage and provide relief.