North Maharashtra sizzles as untimely rains recede

NASHIK: The minimum and the maximum temperatures in cities in north Maharashtra has shot up above the normal range for the first time in May.
Cities have begun to feel the heat as unseasonal rains have abated and the weather has fallen in line with the India Meteorological Department’s warnings that temperatures would soar by mid-May.
Jalgaon district was the hottest in the northern Maharashtra region on Tuesday as it registered a maximum temperature of 43.3C. The minimum temperature of 27.5C also ensured there was little or no respite at night.
“It is blistering here in Jalgaon. People are just unable to work outdoors in this hot and dry climate. It has become difficult to stay indoors as well during the day time,” said Ramesh Bhangale, a farmer and resident of Jalgaon town.
“The night temperature is also hovering more than a degree above its normal temperature range. It is difficult to sleep till late in the night, when the temperature begin to cool down. Only after 1am am I able to get some sleep,” he added.
Nashik city also witnessed the highest temperature for the season as the mercury on Tuesday touched 38.8C, one degree above the normal range for this time of the year. The minimum temperature was also about two degrees above normal at 23.4C.
“It is just difficult to understand what season we are in. Just recently we had very strong rains and then pleasant climate till April end. And today we are 10 degrees higher from 29C on April 30. Two days ago, it was just 34.5C. It shows this summer is going to be tough,” said Asif Iqbal, an engineer working with a private company.
The maximum temperature in Ahmednagar town touched 38C on Tuesday, while the minimum was 24.1C.
According to the Met department, all three districts will witness mainly clear skies for most of Wednesday. The temperatures in Jalgaon are likely to hover around 43C, while in Nashik, it would be around 39C.