Maharashtra took a worrying lead on India’s heat list, recording higher temperatures than the desert state of Rajasthan.
Temperatures in Maharashtra’s Akola on April 26, drove the point home as the region recorded scorching temperatures of 46.9°C, the highest temperature in the country. Amravati followed right behind at 46.8°C.
These figures beat many spots in Rajasthan, including traditional hot areas like Barmer.
Across the country, several stations crossed 44°C, but it surprised many to see Maharashtra’s plains hotter than Rajasthan’s arid deserts.
WHY IS MAHARASHTRA HOTTER THAN RAJASTHAN?
Several factors made Maharashtra record higher temperatures than Rajasthan in a year which is showing clear signs of taking the throne of the hottest year on record.
Eastern Maharashtra’s Vidarbha, which includes Akola and Amravati, often sees intense dry heat under clear skies with little cloud cover. Rajasthan, while known for extreme heat, sometimes receives slightly moist winds that can limit how high the mercury rises.
In contrast, parts of Maharashtra faced stronger heating from clear sunshine and local weather patterns that trapped hot air.
So far, central and peninsular India have been among the worst-hit zones, with temperatures climbing sharply due to fading cooling systems earlier in the month.
This allowed humidity to persist longer and made places in Maharashtra push past 46°C while desert areas stayed relatively lower on that day.
The humidity is amplifying temperatures and making already hot temperatures feel worse. Rajasthan, on the other hand, is facing a much drier heat and slight winds, making the high temperatures feel bearable.
EARLY AND INTENSE SUMMER ACROSS INDIA
This summer arrived early and struck with force. Heat began building from February and March, ahead of usual patterns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had warned of more extreme hot days than normal from April to June.
On April 24, as many as 95 of the world’s 100 hottest cities were in India, with Maharashtra, along with Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, badly affected.
Cities in Maharashtra, such as those in Vidarbha, repeatedly touched near or above 45°C, showing how the heat spread wider and sooner.
WHAT’S THE WEATHER AHEAD?
The intense heat is unfortunately set to continue.
Similar high temperatures are likely this week across India, with some areas possibly seeing even higher temperatures than what they already have.
The IMD has cautioned that extreme heat will grip large parts of the country in the coming days.
Relief, however, is expected soon.
Multiple western disturbances are forecast to bring dust storms, thunderstorms, and rain to northern states from April 28 to 30.
These systems could lower temperatures below 42°C in places, particularly in Rajasthan, giving people a much-needed break from the scorching conditions.
While the pause may be brief before summer strengthens again, it will offer temporary comfort amid the ongoing hot spell.
