Heat wave conditions grip central India

New Delhi: Several parts of central India are experiencing heat wave conditions, with many cities and towns recording temperature over 40 degree Celsius, a phenomena not known to occur in the first week of April.

On Monday, 17 cities/ towns recorded temperature above 40 degree Celsius, a phenomena not known to occur at this time of the year.

According to India Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature across the region has been settling between 41 and 44 degree Celsius.

Yesterday, Akola in Maharashtra and Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh were the hottest cities in India with the day maximum of 44 degree Celsius.

Nizamabad recorded 43.4 degree Celsius, Chandrapur 43.2 Celsius, Chhindwara 43.2 Celsius, Wardha 43 Celsius, Medak 43 Celsius, Khajuraho 42.6 Celsius and Gulbarga 42.2 Celsius.

IMD has already predicted a above normal summer with a rise in temperature by one degree Celsius in several parts of the country.

During the summer of 2015, prolonged severe heat wave conditions had prevailed in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana, which claimed more than 2500 lives.

Parts of Northwest India, on the other hand, has got some relief from the heat wave conditions. Day temperatures across Rajasthan, Delhi and West Madhya Pradesh have witnessed a drop in the last 24 hours.

Though the dip in mercury is a marginal one, the level of relief is quite high.

According to Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the temperature may further drop by one or two degrees during next 24 to 48 hours.

"This will lead to abatement of heatwave from the region anytime soon. Delhi, where temperature was 43 degree Celsius on April 3, recorded a drop of two degrees and settled at 41.7 degree Celsius on April 4. Indore experienced 38.4 degree on April 4 in comparison to 40.8 degree Celsius on April 3," it said.

The drop in temperatures can be attributed to the change in "wind pattern from southeasterly winds to northerly or northwesterly winds," the agency added.