Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 17: With temperatures plunging across the State, several parts of Maharashtra have come under a severe cold wave, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for nearly a dozen districts.

North Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada remain the worst hit, with the IMD sounding a cold wave warning for these regions till 8:30 am on Tuesday. Districts including Nashik, Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon and parts of Ahmednagar are experiencing a sharp decline in minimum temperatures. Marathwada districts such as Beed, Latur and Nanded are reporting similar chill.

In many areas, the minimum temperature has dropped 5–6°C below normal. Nagpur recorded the lowest temperature in the State at 9.6°C on November 16, followed by Nashik at 10.1°C, the lowest in central Maharashtra. According to IMD officials, strong northern winds and low humidity levels are driving the cold conditions, resulting in chilly mornings and late evenings.

The IMD has issued a cold wave alert for Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Nashik, Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Nanded and Gondia till Tuesday morning. While Mumbai is not under alert, the city is also witnessing a notable dip in temperatures. On Sunday, the minimum fell to 17.8°C, 3.8°C below normal.

According to the IMD’s five-day outlook, cold wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of North Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada on November 17, followed by dry weather across the State till November 20.

The IMD has advised residents to wear multiple layers of warm clothing, especially covering the head, neck, hands and feet. People have also been urged to consume Vitamin-C-rich fruits and warm fluids to maintain immunity during the cold spell.