Vidarbha has recorded a temperature in excess of 40°C at some stations yesterday. Akola (40.1°C), Bramhapuri (40.6°C) and Chandrapur (40°C) were the lead stations where mercury breached 40°C marks 1st time in this season. These temperatures are 4-5°C above the normal and this trend is likely to continue for the next 3-4 days. Accordingly, the far east pocket of Maharashtra may be the first one to observe heatwave conditions early in the season.
Central parts of the country in general and Vidarbha and Marathwada, in particular, are witnessing disturbing wind pattern. Winds have become light and variable and also lack continuity. This is indicative of some weather activity in the offing and quite likely Vidarbha region will have a thunderstorm around 12th March. This possible spell will release and transfer the accumulated heat and drop of temperature by 3-4°C to ease out likely heatwave over the region.
The type of heat being observed at this point of time is normally seen towards the second half of March and that too mostly the end of the month. The complete region remains far from the reach of weather systems affecting North India. The southern parts as such remain benign during this month. The upcoming thundery spell will be short and less intense but good enough to give a break for a couple of days.