Scorching summer heat may spare Maharashtra this year

PUNE: While sweltering heat is expected in parts of the country this summer, Maharashtra may have some advantage.
According to IMD's seasonal outlook for hot weather season (March to May) 2023, while above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of northeast, east and central India, besides some areas of northwest India, this summer, parts of Maharashtra have the highest probability of normal to below-normal average summer temperature this season.
IMD scientist SC Bhan said, "There is a higher probability of maximum temperatures to be normal to below-normal in Maharashtra during March to May this year. In March, some parts of the state, particularly western region, have higher probability of recording above-normal day temperature."
Bhan said, "Most other parts are likely to record normal to below-normal day temperatures. In terms of night temperature, during March, above-normal monthly minimum temperatures are most likely over most parts of India, including Maharashtra."
The outlook stated that enhanced probability of occurrence of heat wave during March to May season is likely over many regions of central and adjoining northwest India, including parts of Maharashtra.
"Average day temperature is likely to be normal or below-normal for most of Maharashtra during the season as a whole. However, there will be days when the day temperatures would be above normal in the state," Bhan said.
Within these ranges, some days could also translate to heat wave conditions, he said. IMD officials clarified that the outlook did not refer to day-to-day temperature. "The outlook refers to the expected average day and night temperatures for March and the season as a whole. Thus, the summer season would have days where temperatures could rise higher than normal in Maharashtra," an IMD official said.
On the likely reason for the near-normal to below-normal maximum temperatures during the summer season in Maharashtra, Bhan said the rainfall forecast could explain this trend.