Even as India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted above average rainfall this year, Central Maharashtra region is grappling with a heat wave, with a furthermore 48 critical hours to go.
Even as India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted above average rainfall this year, Central Maharashtra region is grappling with a heat wave, with a furthermore 48 critical hours to go. Officials confirmed that Marathwada and Vidarbha regions have recorded temperatures in excess of 40 degrees continuously for quite some time since the beginning of April. At the same time, experts have said that while the rainfall will be above average, they can’t pinpoint the exact time at which it will hit the city.
IMD officials said that the condition of heat wave is slated to remain stagnant for the next 15 days in certain pockets of central Maharashtra region and added the next 48 hours will be critical. “Certain criteria like steady temperature above 40 degrees, 5% increase in the average temperature etc., help us establish the heat wave. While there are no signs of the same in Mumbai, some districts or pockets of Marathwada and Vidarbha will be affected,” said Rajiv Nair, Director, IMD.
Experts also pointed out that the rains are expected to be above average this year after two consecutive years of less than expected rainfall.
Subimal Ghosh, Associate Professor at IIT-Bombay, confirmed that while the heat wave is a result of the absence of moist air from Bay of Bengal to the central Maharashtra and dry wind from northwest India, water management would play a key role once monsoon hits the state. “Ground water reservoirs have depleted due to fall in monsoon during past two seasons. Hence when the monsoon hits, ground water management will play a key role in establishing the drought situation of Maharashtra,” said Mr Ghosh.
Meanwhile on Saturday, a fifth water train, named ‘Jaladoot’ reached the drought-affected Latur region. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that a total of 25Lakh litres of water have been transported to the drought-hit region so far.
