Pune: The city on Sunday continued to reel under scorching heat with the maximum temperature in various areas hovering over 40° C again marking the season’s highest, so far. Koregaon Park area was the hottest neighbourhood at 42.9° C, followed closely by Lohegaon at 42.7° C, Shivajinagar at 41.8° C, Chinchwad at 41.2° C, Magarpatta at 40.9°C and Lavale at 40.5°C. Relatively cooler areas like NDA also reported a high of 39.3°C.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mainly clear skies for Pune over the next 48 hours, with afternoon cloud cover and a possibility of light rain, thunderstorms and lightning. The city is likely to see a gradual decrease by 2°-3° over the next four to five days.A senior IMD official said a number of weather conditions were impacting the state’s temperatures including an anti-cyclonic circulation — in the lower and middle tropospheric levels — over interior Maharashtra and neighbouring areas.As per the IMD, maximum temperatures in interior Maharashtra were expected to range between 42° C and 44° C on Monday.Meanwhile, a heatwave persists in Vidarbha, with orange alerts for Akola, Amravati and Wardha, and yellow alerts for Nagpur and Chandrapur. There is warning for hot and humid conditions in coastal areas like Mumbai and Palghar. Although dry weather will prevail across most of the state, isolated thunderstorms with gusty winds of 30-40 km/h are expected in districts such as Sangli, Solapur and Latur on Monday.IMD has warned that temperatures are likely to remain above normal. There may be moderate health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups — such as infants, elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses. People have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to heat and wear lightweight, light-coloured and loose cotton clothes. Covering the head with a cloth, hat or umbrella when outdoors is also advised.Meanwhile, Bavdhan resident Bhakti Joshi said, “Many schools are open despite the increase in heat. The authorities should instruct these institutions to close for now so that children are not exposed to high temperatures.”“High temperatures are not just a problem for humans, but animals and birds. Arrangements should be made at public places to provide water and food to these creatures,” said Manasi Kulkarni, a resident of Kothrud.Tanvi Joshi of Satara road said, “Water supply has become a major concern in our area. The demand has gone up due to increased heat, but the supply is not adequate. The scorching heat is worse amid such a situation.”
