A heatwave is affecting several regions of India, with temperatures rising significantly above normal levels, particularly in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
As March begins, the scorching heat has started to affect many parts of India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures in several states were recorded significantly above normal on Wednesday. Areas in Gujarat's Saurashtra and Kutch regions have been experiencing a heatwave to severe heatwave-like conditions, and parts of Maharashtra's Vidarbha region are also feeling the harsh effects of heat. The IMD reported that in most areas of Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, the maximum temperatures were recorded at 5.1 degrees Celsius or higher than normal.
In addition, regions across East and West Rajasthan, Punjab, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Konkan and Goa, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh also witnessed temperatures significantly above normal. The meteorological department had indicated in its monthly forecast released on February 28 that from March to May, most parts of the country could experience a greater number of days with heatwave conditions. Cities like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat are feeling the brunt of the rising temperatures, with maximums being 7.2 degrees Celsius above normal.
