Maharashtra heatwave: Akola records highest temperature of 2026 in state

Akola district in Maharashtra on Thursday emerged as the hottest place in state, recording a scorching maximum temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded anywhere in the country so far this year.

According to the latest data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Akola and Amravati both touched 44.2 degrees Celsius on April 16, marking a sharp spike in the ongoing heatwave across Vidarbha. 

Several other interior districts in Maharashtra also crossed the 42 degrees Celsius mark, underlining the severity of the early summer heat.

On April 14, the IMD reported that the highest maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius was recorded jointly at Akola in Maharashtra and Kalaburagi in Karnataka. On the latest reading, Akola`s temperature has further risen by 0.2 degrees Celsius.

Extreme heat in interior Maharashtra

Temperatures in Vidarbha

Akola and Amravati led with 44.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Wardha (44.0 degrees Celsius). Chandrapur, Washim, Nagpur and Yavatmal also recorded temperatures above 43 degrees Celsius. 

Temperatures in the region were 2 to 3.6 degrees Celsius above normal.

Temperatures in Marathwada

Parbhani recorded 42.0 degrees Celsius, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 41.4 degrees Celsius, and Udgir 40.4 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures in Madhya Maharashtra 

Malegaon and Solapur both recorded 43.4 degrees Celsius, Jeur touched 42.0 degrees Celsius, while Jalgaon, Satara and Pune saw highs ranging between 39.7 degrees Celsius and 41.5 degrees Celsius.

In sharp contrast, the Mumbai and Konkan coastal region remained relatively cooler but highly humid.

Mumbai (Colaba) recorded 33.6 degrees Celsius with 65 per cent humidity, while Alibag, Ratnagiri and Dahanu reported temperatures between 31.5 degrees Celsius and 33.1 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels as high as 70 to 80 per cent.

No relief from rain in Maharashtra

No rainfall was reported from any part of Maharashtra in the last 24 hours. The entire state remained dry under largely clear skies, with only Satara reporting the presence of high-level cirrostratus clouds.

Yellow alert in Nanded

The intense heat comes even as the District Disaster Management Authority in Nanded has issued a yellow alert till April 20, warning of heatwave conditions followed by possible thunderstorms and gusty winds in the coming days.

With temperatures already touching 44.2 degrees Celsius in Akola, the highest so far in 2026, authorities have urged people to avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and take extra care of the elderly, children, and those with health conditions.

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