NEWS

Maharashtra is experiencing fourth heatwave continuously in the second month

WHAT IS A HEATWAVE

• A region is considered to be under the grip of a heatwave if the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more in the plains and at least 30 degrees Celsius or more in hilly regions
• When the maximum temperature departure ranges between 4.5 and 6 degrees, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) declares a heatwave
• A severe heatwave is declared when the recorded maximum temperature of a locality departure from normal is over 6.4 degrees Celsius
• Also, if an area records over 45 degrees and 47 degrees Celsius on any given day, then the IMD declares heatwave and severe heatwave conditions, respectively

WHAT IS HAPPPENING IN MAHARASHTRA

• The lack of pre-monsoon showers has also led to an increase in the overall maximum temperature
• Maharashtra recorded 63 per cent deficient rainfall from March 1 to April 26
• While maximum temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius are recorded mainly over Rajasthan and the Vidarbha region in May, the latter recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius starting in March, this season