The entire Marathwada region is in the grip of a blistering heat wave. The average summer temperature of the eight districts in the region is normally in the range of 34 to 38 degree Celsius. However, this year, mercury has soared between 40 to 45 degrees Celcius—six to eight degrees above normal.
The heat wave has forced people to stay indoors for the fear of sunstroke. Business establishments are also taking a hit as buyers do not turn up after 1200-1800 hours. In rural areas too, farmers have given up pre-monsoon work such as ploughing, picking weeds and working as labour in various projects.
The medical superintendent of the Government Medical College Hospital, Aurangabad, Dr BK Somani said a special ward has been opened to treat patients suffering from sunstroke and other heat related ailments.
The meteorological department of Marathwada Agriculture University, Parbhani, recorded the temperature on April 30 as follows: Aurangabad-43, Jalna-44, Parbhani- 44, Hingoli 45, Nanded-44, Beed-44, Osmanabad- 43 and Latur- 41 degree Celsius.
