Maharashtra is facing very hot weather right now. During the time before the rainy season, temperatures usually go up, but this year, many places in Maharashtra are getting really hot. The temperature is reaching between 40°C and 45°C (104°F to 113°F) in different districts. This heat is making life difficult for people, farmers, and even affecting health in all 36 districts of the state. Climate change is making the heat waves longer and stronger.
Because of the extreme heat, people are using a lot of electricity for air conditioning. Power use has gone up by 31% compared to last month. The peak demand for electricity reached 28,276 MW, which is 15% more than last year. Water use has also increased a lot, with cities reporting a 40% rise in daily water consumption.
The heat is causing health problems too. Hospitals are seeing more patients with heat-related issues. There’s been a 27% rise in cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration. In the last three weeks, there were 142 serious cases of heat stroke, and 12 people have died because of the heat.
Farmers are having a tough time as well. Early reports say that 27,000 hectares of crops are damaged. If the heat continues, there could be a 15-20% drop in important crops like cotton and soybeans.
To help people, local officials have set up 1,234 cooling centers where people can go to stay cool. They’re also giving out 2.5 million liters of drinking water to communities in need. The state government has put aside Rs. 175 crore for emergency help and changed school and work hours to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Weather experts say that this hot weather might continue for another two weeks. People are hoping for some relief when the rainy season starts.
