Heat Wave Safety Measures: Dos and Don'ts Issued Amid Rising Mercury

Nagpur sizzles at 43 degrees Celsius, with Akola having the hottest temperature in the vidarbha. Akola topped the temperature charts in Maharashtra for the second consecutive day. Sunday saw Akola hitting 44.4 degrees Celsius, matching Solapur's temperature in Central Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, Nagpur district set a new high for the summer season at 43 degrees Celsius on Sunday, surpassing its previous record. Chandrapur and Wardha districts also experienced their highest temperatures of the season at 44.2 and 44 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe heat wave warning for Akola and Chandrapur districts on May 6. Additionally, temperatures across other parts of Vidarbha are expected to be 1-2 degrees Celsius higher than usual. Thunderstorms with lightning are forecasted for May 6 in Chandrapur, Gondia, Gadchiroli, and Yavatmal districts, offering some relief. Starting May 7, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely in isolated areas across Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Wardha, and Yavatmal districts.

However, there's concern for farmers as the weather department predicts isolated hailstorms in Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts. On Sunday, temperatures soared in Amravati (43.6°C), Bramhapuri (43.9°C), Gadchiroli (43.8°C), and Washim (43.2°C), all surpassing the 43-degree mark. Yavatmal reached 42.5°C, while Gondia recorded 41.3°C. Buldhana remained relatively cooler at 39.6°C.

Given the rising temperatures, the weather department has issued guidelines for dealing with heat waves. These include avoiding exposure to extreme heat, wearing light-coloured, loose cotton clothing, staying hydrated, especially during peak hours, and providing shade and water for animals. It's also advised to limit outdoor activities between 12 noon and 3 pm and seek indoor shelter when possible.