Pune: India Meteorological Department has forecast a rise of 2-3 degrees in maximum temperatures till Friday, along with the likelihood of heatwave conditions in parts of the state, with temperatures already breaching the 40°C-mark in several parts of Maharashtra.According to IMD, heatwave conditions are likely in Vidarbha between April 15 and 18, while parts of Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada could experience the conditions on April 16 and 17.IMD scientist SD Sanap said temperatures were likely to remain in the 40-41°C range over the next three to five days. “Similar conditions are expected over the next three to five days, with temperatures reaching around 40-41°C. After that, a slight drop of 1-2 degrees is likely. The rise is due to an anti-cyclonic circulation over Maharashtra and south-central parts of the state,” he said.Sanap said several stations had already recorded high temperatures, including Akola (43°C), Amravati (42°C), Malegaon (41°C) and Parbhani (41°C). “Despite high absolute temperatures in Vidarbha, heatwave criteria are not always met as departures from normal also need to exceed 4.5 degrees. In Vidarbha, normal temperatures are already high, so even 43°C may not qualify as a heatwave unless the deviation is significant. Conditions are, however, expected to meet heatwave criteria in the coming days,” he said.District-wise forecasts indicated that Pune and surrounding ghat regions would largely remain dry over the next five days. Districts like Sangli and Solapur are, however, likely to see heatwave conditions in isolated pockets around April 15-16. Similar warnings have been issued for parts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.In contrast, Konkan districts including Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are expected to experience hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets between April 14 and 16. These regions will largely remain dry otherwise, with high humidity levels adding to discomfort.IMD has also indicated that hot and humid conditions are very likely over Konkan and Goa during April 14-16, over Marathwada on April 14 and 15, and over Madhya Maharashtra on April 17.With temperatures set to remain high and heatwave conditions likely in parts of the state, officials have advised residents to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, stay hydrated and take necessary precautions during peak afternoon hours.
