Nagpur

Akola recorded the highest temperature in the country at 46.9°C, while Nagpur and several parts of the Vidarbha region remained in the grip of a severe heat wave, meteorological officials said on Monday.

Heat wave conditions are expected to continue across parts of Vidarbha till Tuesday, with temperatures likely to range between 45°C and 46°C and touch 47°C at isolated places.

According to the India Meteorological Department Regional Meteorological Centre in Nagpur, Amravati recorded 46.8°C, Wardha 46.4°C, Yavatmal 46°C, Nagpur 45.4°C, and Chandrapur 45°C.

Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal, Chandrapur and Nagpur experienced heat wave conditions, while several other districts reported above-normal temperatures.

RMC scientist Dr Praveen Kumar said the persistent heat was due to an anticyclonic circulation over Maharashtra and adjoining regions, along with continuous hot and dry northwesterly winds. Weak western disturbances and the absence of moisture incursion or other significant weather systems also intensified the heat.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Akola, Amravati and Wardha, and a yellow alert for Nagpur, Chandrapur and Yavatmal for Tuesday.

Relief is expected thereafter, with temperatures likely to dip by 2-3°C and chances of rainfall and gusty winds in the coming days.

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The IMD uses colour-coded warnings: green (no warning), yellow (be aware), orange (be prepared) and red (take action).