Nagpur: Vidarbha has been reeling under a continuous heat spell for the past week, with temperatures remaining several degrees above normal across the region. The sudden spike in mercury also led to a surge in demand for cooling appliances and beverages, as residents struggled to cope with the early summer heat.On Monday, Akola remained the hottest place in Maharashtra, recording a maximum temperature of 40.4°C, which was 4.4°C above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).Other major cities in Vidarbha also recorded high temperatures. Amravati registered 39.0°C (+4.3°C), Wardha 39.2°C (+3.2°C), Brahmapuri 39.4°C (+3.6°C), Washim 39.4°C (+3.8°C), and Yavatmal 39.0°C (+3.9°C). Nagpur recorded a maximum temperature of 38.2°C, which was 3°C above normal. Meteorologists said temperatures across Vidarbha are currently 3°C to 4.5°C above the seasonal average, reflecting the intensity of the ongoing heat spell.Historically, the region witnessed even higher temperatures during March. According to IMD records, Nagpur’s highest-ever March temperature is 45°C, recorded on March 28, 1892, while Akola’s highest March temperature stands at 44.4°C, recorded on March 20, 1892.Retailers said the demand for air conditioners and coolers shot up sharply in the last few days. In Mahal, one of the city’s prominent electronics markets, shopkeepers reported nearly a three-fold jump in cooler sales, while air conditioners also witnessed brisk demand.The rush even led to price rise and longer waiting periods for installation. “We can deliver an AC within a day, but installation is taking at least three to four days, which otherwise was done the next day after delivery. All our technicians are occupied with installation work,” said a retailer in Dhantoli.With the heat intensifying, roadside stalls selling buttermilk and nimbu pani (lemon water) also witnessed brisk business as people took quick breaks to cool themselves during the afternoon hours.With dry weather conditions prevailing and no rainfall reported across the region in the last 24 hours, the heat spell is likely to continue in the coming days. Weather officials advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during afternoon hours and stay hydrated.Highest March max temps in Vidarbha Station | Highest Maximum Temp °C (Date) | 2nd Highest Temp °C (Date) | 3rd Highest Temp °C (Date)Akola | 44.4 (March 20, 1892) | 44.0 (March 31, 2017) | 43.6 (March 30, 2019)Amravati | 43.9 (March 28, 1892) | 43.8 (March 28, 1972) | 43.0 (March 31, 2017)Buldhana | 41.0 (March 28, 2024) | 40.6 (March 29, 2024) | 40.3 (March 30, 2022)Bramhapuri | 44.2 (March 29, 2014) | 44.1 (March 28, 2014) | 43.6 (March 31, 2014)Chandrapur | 44.4 (March 27, 1892) | 44.2 (March 31, 2022) | 43.9 (March 24, 2010)Gondia | 42.5 (March 30, 1996) | 42.2 (March 30, 2017) | 42.1 (March 29, 1996)Nagpur | 45.0 (March 28, 1892) | 43.3 (March 30, 2019) | 43.2 (March 31, 2019)Wardha | 43.9 (March 31, 1991) | 43.8 (March 30, 2017) | 43.6 (March 31, 2017)Washim | 42.6 (March 29, 2024) | 42.5 (March 31, 2022) | 41.6 (March 30, 2024)Yavatmal | 42.5 (March 30, 2019) | 42.4 (March 30, 2021) | 42.0 (March 31, 2019)
