Nagpur: As temperatures begin to soar across Vidarbha, a different kind of heat has gripped Nagpur, one fuelled not by the sun, but by a viral message spreading like wildfire on social media.
The message, warning of an “emergency” heatwave between April 29 and May 12 with temperatures allegedly touching a shocking 55°C, has left many residents anxious and confused. Attributed to a mysterious “Nagari Sanrakshan Vibhag,” the alert paints a grim picture of an impending climatic disaster.
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But here’s the reality, it’s completely fake.
IMD busts the myth
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has categorically dismissed the viral message, calling it baseless and misleading.
Praveen Kumar, Scientist C at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Nagpur, made it clear: “There is no such forecast. Messages like these resurface every summer and have no scientific backing.” He urged citizens to rely only on official updates and not fall prey to sensational forwards that often exaggerate or fabricate weather threats.
The ‘Department’ that doesn’t exist
Adding to the suspicion, authorities confirmed that no entity named “Nagari Sanrakshan Vibhag” exists in Nagpur, exposing the message as nothing more than a cleverly worded hoax.
Officials warned that such misinformation doesn’t just mislead, it creates unnecessary panic, amplifies fear, and can even trigger overreactions among the public.
Real heat, real concern
While the viral alert may be fake, the heat itself is very real, and intensifying.
Vidarbha is currently in the grip of a severe summer spell, with districts like Akola and Amravati recording scorching highs of 44.2°C, making them among the hottest places in the country, just behind Banda in Uttar Pradesh.
Wardha followed closely at 44.0°C, while Nagpur logged its season’s highest temperature for the second consecutive day at 43.2°C.
Heatwave alert issued
The IMD has issued a genuine heatwave alert for the region from April 18 to 20, cautioning that temperatures will remain high, particularly in Akola and Amravati.
Truth vs viral panic
This episode highlights a growing concern in the digital age, how quickly misinformation can spread and blur the line between fact and fear.
Yes, Vidarbha is heating up.
No, it is not heading towards a 55°C apocalypse.
For now, the advice is simple:
Stay cool, stay informed, and don’t believe everything that pops up on your phone.
