Maharashtra has been grappling with intense heatwaves over the past few weeks, with temperatures soaring to over 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of the state.
Santacruz Observatory recorded a temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, while Navi Mumbai scorched at 42 degrees Celsius.
The government has issued an advisory to citizens, urging them to take the necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. On April 16, at least 14 people died from heat stroke in Navi Mumbai following the Maharashtra Bhushan award ceremony.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for several parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The warning is in effect until the end of the month, with temperatures expected to remain high during this period.
When temperatures deviate by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius from the average, a heatwave is declared. The IMD has classified a heatwave as a period of abnormally high temperatures that persists for two or more days.
During a heatwave, the body's ability to regulate its internal temperature is compromised, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
In response to the warning, the Maharashtra government has advised citizens to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, avoid direct exposure to the sun, and consume plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
The government has also set up cooling centres in several cities where citizens can go to cool off and avoid the heat. In light of the severe temperatures brought on by the heatwave, the
Maharashtra government declared an early summer break for all state board schools on Thursday. The Maharashtra Government has ordered all State Board elementary, middle, and high schools to start their summer break on April 21.
The heatwave has also led to power outages in some parts of the state as the demand for electricity has spiked due to the use of air conditioners and other cooling appliances. The government has urged citizens to conserve energy and use electricity only when necessary to avoid overloading the power grid.
The heatwave has had a significant impact on the state's agricultural sector, with crops like sugarcane, cotton, and soybeans suffering due to extreme temperatures.
Farmers have been advised to take measures like providing shade for their crops and watering them more frequently to prevent damage. While the heatwave is expected to subside towards the end of the month, the IMD has warned that such extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent due to climate change.
The government has urged citizens to take measures like planting trees and reducing their carbon footprint to mitigate the impact of climate change and prevent such events from becoming more severe in the future.
The heatwave in Maharashtra has been a cause for concern for the state government, citizens, and farmers alike. It is important to take the necessary precautions and measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and reduce the impact of extreme weather events on the environment and society.
Edited by- Adedamola Aresbegola
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