Maharashtra is experiencing an intense October heatwave, with maximum temperatures rising between 1 and 7 degrees Celsius above average across its regions amid deficient monsoon rainfall and drought conditions. The heat is affecting residents during the day and continuing into the night as minimum temperatures have also increased.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s Mumbai centre, Ratnagiri recorded the state’s highest temperature at 38.3 degrees Celsius in the 24 hours up to Monday morning. Amravati recorded 38.2 degrees Celsius, while Akola reached 38.1 degrees Celsius. Santa Cruz in Mumbai recorded 38 degrees Celsius, followed by Yavatmal at 37.7 degrees Celsius, Solapur at 37.6 degrees Celsius and Jalgaon at 37.1 degrees Celsius.
The report attributed the worsening heat to the impact of a strong El Niño and a significant shortfall in monsoon rainfall this year. The resulting dry conditions have created a drought-like situation in several parts of the state, increasing concern over the effect of higher temperatures on agriculture and daily life.
The rise above average has been recorded across all four broad regions. Konkan has seen maximum temperatures increase by 1 to 7 degrees Celsius over normal levels. The increase has ranged from 1 to 5 degrees Celsius in Madhya Maharashtra, 2 to 5 degrees Celsius in Marathwada and 2 to 6 degrees Celsius in Vidarbha.
The weather conditions have also remained hot and humid in Konkan. The combination of strong daytime sunshine and increased humidity has added to discomfort for residents. Higher minimum temperatures mean that the night-time relief normally associated with lower temperatures has also weakened.
The maximum temperatures recorded on Sunday included 36 degrees Celsius in Dhule, 37.1 degrees Celsius in Jalgaon, 36 degrees Celsius in Jeur, 36.1 degrees Celsius in Niphad and 37.6 degrees Celsius in Solapur in Madhya Maharashtra. In Konkan, Dahanu recorded 36.3 degrees Celsius and Ratnagiri 38.3 degrees Celsius.
In Marathwada, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar recorded 36.5 degrees Celsius and Dharashiv 36.1 degrees Celsius. Vidarbha recorded 38.1 degrees Celsius in Akola, 38.2 degrees Celsius in Amravati, 36.2 degrees Celsius in Buldhana, 36 degrees Celsius in Chandrapur, 36.2 degrees Celsius in Wardha and 37.7 degrees Celsius in Yavatmal.
The weather department had earlier forecast that October would remain hotter than usual in the state. The current conditions place additional pressure on agriculture because the heat is coinciding with irregular rainfall and reduced moisture availability. The India Meteorological Department’s October temperature forecast remains the next official reference point for tracking the duration and spread of the heat.
