Nagpur: Vidarbha continues to reel under an intense and unforgiving heatwave, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a ‘Yellow Alert’ for Nagpur and a more severe ‘Orange Alert’ for Akola, Amravati, Wardha and Yavatmal districts for the next four days. The weather office has warned that temperatures across the region are likely to hover between 45°C and 47°C, triggering serious health concerns and forcing authorities into emergency response mode.
According to the IMD forecast, Nagpur will remain under heatwave conditions from May 19 to May 22, while the four other districts are expected to face “severe heatwave” conditions during the same period. The scorching temperatures have already pushed Vidarbha into one of the hottest zones in the country.
Gold Rate
May 14- 2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
On Monday, Nagpur recorded a blistering 44.4°C, while Wardha emerged as Vidarbha’s hottest district and the third hottest place in India with a searing 46.5°C. Only Banda in Uttar Pradesh (47.6°C) and Khajuraho (46.8°C) recorded higher temperatures nationwide.
The nights too have offered no respite, with minimum temperatures remaining alarmingly high. Wardha recorded the highest minimum temperature at 32.5°C, followed by Yavatmal at 31.6°C, Chandrapur at 31°C, Akola at 29.8°C and Buldhana close to 30°C. The unusually high night temperatures have raised fears of increased heat stress, especially among children, senior citizens, outdoor workers and patients suffering from chronic illnesses.
Amid the worsening situation, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has activated its “Heat Action Plan 2026” and appealed to citizens to remain cautious and strictly follow preventive measures against heat-related illnesses. Medical Health Officer Dr Deepak Selokar said all civic departments have been placed on high alert and instructed to work in coordination to tackle any emergency arising out of the heatwave.
To deal with heatstroke and dehydration cases, the NMC has established 11 special “cold wards” at major hospitals across the city. These wards have been equipped with IV fluids, ORS, ice packs, essential medicines and trained medical staff for immediate treatment of heat-related ailments.
Additionally, over 150 Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), Health and Wellness Centres, dispensaries and municipal hospitals have been kept fully prepared to handle patients suffering from heat exhaustion, dehydration and other summer-related complications.
The administration has also initiated several precautionary measures under the Heat Action Plan. The Labour Department has directed construction firms, factories and industrial establishments to modify working hours, ensure adequate lunch breaks, provide drinking water and protect labourers from prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
In a bid to offer temporary relief to citizens, the Garden Department has installed green shade nets at busy traffic junctions, crowded public spaces and signal points across the city. Public parks and gardens have also been kept open during afternoon hours to provide shelter to commuters, hawkers, labourers and pedestrians struggling under the blazing sun.
Meanwhile, the Transport Department has put 31 major traffic signals in Nagpur on “blinker mode” during peak afternoon hours to reduce waiting time for motorists and minimise exposure to extreme temperatures on roads.
With the mercury showing no signs of relenting, authorities have urged residents to avoid stepping out during afternoon hours unless absolutely necessary, remain hydrated and seek immediate medical attention in case of dizziness, weakness or symptoms of heatstroke.
