The Mahakaushal region is currently gripping under an intense heatwave, turning afternoons into furnace-like conditions. Clear skies have allowed direct solar radiation to spike temperatures across the city. On the first day of Nautapa, the mercury hit 43.9°C. Though brief afternoon cloud cover offered slight relief previously, subsequent clear skies have driven temperatures back to extreme levels, with a morning recording touching 40.2°C roughly 2°C above the normal average. Even nighttime temperatures are hovering around a high minimum of 30.0°C. Traffic on major roads has dropped by nearly half during peak afternoon hours.

 

Residential neighborhoods are witnessing a complete silence reminiscent of lockdown periods, with barely anyone venturing outside. The medical experts warned that extreme heat and direct sun exposure rapidly deplete water and essential salts from the body, significantly increasing the risk of heatstroke (lucidity loss/sunstroke). High fever, headache, dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, extreme thirst, weakness, body aches, absence of sweat, or dark/scanty urine. They advised to avoid unnecessary afternoon travel. If stepping out is mandatory, cover your head with a cloth or gamcha, wear sunglasses, and ensure you eat and drink water before leaving home.