Heatstroke Cases Spike in Maharashtra Amid Record Temperatures

Pune, India — Heatstroke cases in Maharashtra have surged dramatically, rising nearly 59% from 44 cases around April 17 to 70 by April 23, according to health officials. The increase comes as temperatures continue to soar above 40°C in parts of Vidarbha and other regions.

On Saturday, Parbhani in Marathwada recorded the highest temperature in the state at 44.2°C. Furthermore, Prayagraj and Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh led the nation with a sweltering 44.8°C. Meanwhile, Yavatmal registered a temperature of 42.4°C, followed closely by Amravati at 42.8°C and Wardha at 42.6°C.

Pune’s Shivajinagar saw a slight decrease in temperature, recording 39.4°C, which is just above normal yet lower than Friday’s 40.2°C. However, the vicinity of Lohegaon airport maintained temperatures above 40°C, hitting 41.9°C on Saturday compared to 42.7°C the previous day, a concerning 3.2 degrees above normal.

Dr. Prakash Shende, a consultant physician at Dr. DY Patil Medical College, reported, “We are seeing a significant increase in heat-related illnesses, including gastroenteritis, kidney stones, dehydration, giddiness, and heat exhaustion. I have been treating 8-10 such patients daily since last week.”

The district-wise heatstroke report revealed Yavatmal as the worst affected area, reporting 11 cases, followed by Buldhana with 9 and Nagpur with 8. Other districts like Gadchiroli, Jalna, and Parbhani each reported 5 cases, while Dhule had 4. Pune has recorded one heatstroke case so far.

Despite a drop in temperatures, Brahmapuri, which recorded the highest temperature in the country at 45.5°C on Friday, still experienced dangerously high temperatures of 44.2°C on Saturday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of continuing hot and humid weather across several regions, including Gujarat and Marathwada, with heatwave conditions likely in isolated pockets over states such as Haryana and Delhi. Health officials urge residents to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, and take precautions during peak afternoon hours as the heatwave is set to persist.