BackOTHER
Akola, Wardha touch 45°C as Vidarbha, Central Maharashtra reels under heat despite rain alert
IMD data shows Akola and Wardha recorded a maximum of 45°C, among the hottest readings in Maharashtra this season. The readings do not yet meet the technical criteria for a heatwave, according to IMD officials. Unseasonal rainfall is forecast across parts of Maharashtra, but heat remains widespread in Vidarbha and central Maharashtra.
Why It Matters
The extreme temperatures highlight ongoing heat stress in the region even as rain forecasts emerge, potentially impacting public health and agricultural conditions in Vidarbha and central Maharashtra.
Timeline
1 Event
Akola and Wardha record 45°C; IMD says heatwave criteria not met yet
April 20, 2026
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Akola and Wardha registered a maximum temperature of 45°C. The readings are among the highest of the season for these stations, with Akola recording about 3.7°C above normal. Despite the heat, IMD officials clarified that the conditions do not meet the technical criteria for a heatwave as the departure from normal remains within defined thresholds. The report notes that several other districts across Vidarbha and adjoining regions also reported similarly high temperatures, indicating a broader pattern of elevated heat across the state, even as unseasonal rainfall is forecast for parts of Maharashtra.