While Maharashtra is not new to heat
waves, generally experienced in May, this summer season, it has arrived a bit
early, especially in the Konkan sub-division. It began in the middle of
February itself, and between February 28 and March 1, some places in the state,
like Bhira, had already recorded temperatures over 40 degree Celsius, almost
five degree Celsius above normal.
Even Ratnagiri and Mumbai recorded 37.4
degree Celsius each, making the start of this summer season rather unusual. The
western coast of the state, along the Konkan, generally does not experience
heat waves as the continuous flow of sea breeze keeps a check on the rising day
temperatures and any excess heat is well absorbed by the oceans. This year,
Saurashtra region of Gujarat has faced widespread heat wave conditions that has
affected the neighbouring Konkan and north Madhya Maharashtra, but the primary
reason for the “early and uncommon” heat wave in parts of the state has been
the warm and continuous flow of easterly winds, according to weather
scientists.
The pattern of these winds blowing over
from the Bay of Bengal, that otherwise prevail over much northerly latitudes,
has been observed to be changing in recent years. At the time of seasonal
change, that is, at the onset of summers in March, these winds, while arriving
near the west coast, influence the already hot and humid local conditions and
aggravate it. For instance, at Bhira, an area that is landlocked by
hilly-terrains, the maximum temperature shoots up by 5 degrees or more.
Courtesy: Hindustan Times