Nashik: The district on Saturday recorded its second all-time highest maximum temperature for April, with the mercury soaring to 41.5 degrees Celsius — 3.9 degrees above the normal for this time of year. The minimum temperature also remained unusually high at 22.3 degrees Celsius, which is 1.6 degrees above the average.
Sharp Rise in Temperature
The spike came after the city hovered near the 40-degree mark for several days, breaching it following a sharp two-degree rise within 24 hours from Friday's 39.6 degrees Celsius. According to Sushma Nair, a scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai, the highest April temperature ever recorded in Nashik stands at 42.8 degrees Celsius, logged on April 28, 2019. Current temperatures are expected to remain around similar levels for the next few days.
Meteorological Explanation
Meteorological officials attributed the intense heat to strong northerly winds carrying hot air from arid regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Clear skies are further worsening conditions by allowing maximum solar radiation to heat up the land surface.
Neighbouring Regions Hit Harder
Neighbouring regions are experiencing even harsher conditions. Malegaon recorded 43.4 degrees Celsius — 2.4 degrees above normal — along with a minimum temperature of 23.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.1 degrees above average. Jalgaon also sizzled at 43.3 degrees Celsius, exceeding its normal maximum by 1.6 degrees.
Advisory for Residents
While no formal heatwave warning has been issued, officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have advised people to avoid stepping out unless necessary, take precautions against heat-related illness, and stay well hydrated as hot northerly winds continue to dominate regional weather conditions.
