Heat wave: Red alert for central India, temperature to hover around 47°C

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a red alert - the highest warning level - for Maharashtra's Vidarbha region and central India. The alert will remain in place till Wednesday.

The six districts in Vidarbha region have been experiencing very high temperatures over the last few days - the highest temperature was recorded in Akola which sizzled at 46.9 degrees Celsius. The MeT department says the temperature will hover around 46 and 47 degrees Celsius.

"There is likelihood of a very severe heat wave in some areas and heat wave in many parts of Vidarbha of eastern Maharashtra and Western Madhya Pradesh, besides heat wave conditions in other regions of central India," IMD Deputy Director-General M L Sahu said.

Apart from Akola, the mercury soared to 46.8 degrees Celsius in Nagpur and Amravati, 46.6 degrees in Chandrapur and 45 degrees in Wardha, Yavatmal and Washim.

The State Disaster Centre in Mumbai and Nagpur said there are no heat-wave related deaths so far in the region, though some people have been hospitalised in parts of Vidarbha.

With the red alert issued, all concerned agencies are in a state of full preparedness to tackle any emergencies arising among the people affected by the soaring temperatures.

People, especially children and senior citizens, have been advised to refrain from going outdoors between 11am-4pm, remain hydrated, avoid aerated drinks and immediately seek medical advice for any heat-related symptoms.