PUNE: Hot north-westerly winds, troughs, which are very weak and have poor moisture incursion and the anti-cyclone present over Maharashtra at upper air levels are the three major reasons for the increased heat across the State. 

The maximum day temperature reported in the State on Thursday was at 46.3 degrees Celsius in Akola. Pune also reported a day temperature of 41.6 degrees Celsius. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heat wave warning over isolated parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha and northern Central Maharashtra from April 27 till April 29.

Speaking to Sakal Times, Anupam Kashyapi, head of weather, IMD, Pune, said India is at present in the midst of one of the strongest heat waves. "At present, Madhya Pradesh is heated. Moreover, north Telangana, Gujarat region (except Kutch), southern side of Rajasthan and southern Uttar Pradesh are under heat wave conditions. In Maharashtra also, a heat wave is forecast over isolated parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha and northern madhya Maharashtra from April 27 till April 29," said Kashyapi.

WHY THE STATE IS SIZZLING?
Speaking about the reason, Kashyapi said along with the hot north-westerly winds, there are two troughs over the State with no moisture incursion. The winds that are flowing in the State are dry and due to no moisture incursion, there cannot be any rainfall to reduce the current hotter days.

“There is a weak trough line available from Marathwada to south interior Karnataka and another one from Maldives areas to south madhya Maharashtra. But both the systems are too weak. Right now, there is very less moisture incursion,” said Kashyapi. 

WHY THE HEAT WAVE CONDITION WILL LAST TILL APRIL 29?
Explaining the tenure of the heat wave condition, Kashyapi said at present, there is a well-marked low pressure area in the south Bay of Bengal.

This low pressure area will move north-westward and will approach off Sri Lanka coast area, near Tamil Nadu, so it will create huge storm convergence, which will drag available moisture from Maharashtra and other regions of south central India. Hence, the heat wave situation shall continue till April 29, said Kashyapi.

NO IMMEDIATE RAINS
There is a possibility of cloud formation on April 27 and April 28 in some parts of the State; however, there will be no rains. But there may be strong gusty winds. On April 30 or first week of May, there is a possibility of light showers towards the southern part of State, said Kashyapi.

INCREASE IN HEAT IS GOOD
A very strong heat wave situation is a regular phenomenon every year once or twice. Temperature rise was occasional. However, the current heat wave situation is big. It is persisting for a long period. In a way, this is good, as it is one of the factors that may result in a good monsoon. There are so many other factors that affect the monsoon but this one is also important, said Kashyapi.