Hottest April of the 20th century over north-west and central India

The year 1999 witnessed unprecedented heat in the month of April in which m ost pacts of north-west and central India recorded maximum temperatures of 40 degreesC or above for about a fortnight, which is a record event of the 20th century. Increase in maximum temperature started right from the beginn ing of the month and conditions became extreme during the last week. Temper ature records of the previous years indicated warm Aprils in the years 1892 , 1921, 1931, 1941, 1958, 1973, 1980 and 1988 but not on the scale at which heat-wave conditions were experienced in 1999 over north-west and central India. This is seen in terms of mean maximum temperatures at 28 stations in that region. The study shows that about 72% of these stations recorded mea n maximum temperature above 40 degreesC. The occurrence and persistence of this hot spell in April 1999 appears to be a unique feature of the 20th cen tury.