Nagpur: Temperatures across Maharashtra, particularly in Vidarbha, have risen sharply in the first week of March, raising concerns among meteorological officials. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Nagpur of India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning, predicting a hotter-than-usual summer, with an increased number of heatwave days expected between March and May.

While maximum temperatures in March typically remain under control until Holi, this year’s heat arrived early, beginning as early as February. During the second half of February, temperatures were already 2 to 4 degrees above average, fluctuating between 32°C and 35°C. By March 4, several cities recorded significant temperature spikes, with Solapur in Madhya Maharashtra registering the highest at 39.4°C, followed by Chandrapur at 39°C and Nagpur at 37.6°C.

Meteorological experts warn that North and Central India could experience heatwaves as early as March due to shifting climate patterns. The IMD has predicted that temperatures in these regions could remain 5°C or more above average from March to May, making this summer particularly intense.

While officials have not provided a definitive reason for the early onset of high temperatures, some experts suggest that the anticipated end of the La Niña phenomenon in April may contribute to the rising heat, further intensifying summer conditions. Citizens are advised to take precautions as the soaring temperatures are expected to persist in the coming weeks.