Nagpur: Nagpur recorded a scorching 44°C, this season’s highest, on Friday, with temperatures touching the mark by early afternoon and causing prolonged discomfort through the evening as heatwave-like conditions gripped Vidarbha. The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for Saturday as temperature is likely to further rise to 45 and above. Mild respite is expected from Monday as IMD has also forecast thunderstorm and rain on Monday and Tuesday.On Friday, Amravati and Wardha, both at 44.4°C, emerged as the joint second-hottest places in India after Banda (Uttar Pradesh) and were also among the top three hottest locations globally. Nagpur ranked as the sixth-hottest place in the world. Akola (44.1°C), Washim (44°C) and Chandrapur (43.6°C) were also among the top global hotspots, ranking 5th, 9th and 11th, respectively. Along with Gondia, Yavatmal and Brahmapuri, these districts featured among the hottest places in the country. Data shows temperatures across Vidarbha remained 2 to 4°C above normal, indicating widespread heat stress. Amravati (+3.7°C), Nagpur (+3.4°C), Wardha (+3.1°C), Akola (+2.8°C) and Washim (+4°C) recorded sharp departures from normal. Nights offered little relief, with Yavatmal recording a high minimum of 30°C, about 5.3°C above normal.
