As Ahmedabad braces for soaring temperatures, the city and various parts of Gujarat are preparing for what could be one of the hottest weeks of the year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert, warning of dangerously high temperatures ranging between 43°C and 44.9°C. This warning, valid from April 29 to May 2, highlights the need for residents to take extra precautions against heat-related health risks.
Starting on Monday, April 29, temperatures in Ahmedabad are expected to hit 43°C, rising even higher to 44°C from Tuesday through Thursday. The heat will be relentless, with only a slight dip expected in the following days, but no significant relief from the scorching conditions is forecast. On Sunday, April 28, the city recorded a high of 41.3°C, which is close to the seasonal average, while the minimum temperature remained sticky at 27.4°C, just above normal for this time of year.
The IMD’s Orange Alert indicates a dangerous heat zone, and its advisory is clear: residents should stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, keep hydrated, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses is high during these extreme conditions. Local authorities are advising residents to take all necessary precautions to stay cool, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The heat wave extends beyond Ahmedabad, impacting the entire state of Gujarat, including the Saurashtra and Kutch regions. Rajkot, for instance, sizzled at a state-high temperature of 44°C, while several other areas saw temperatures nearing the 42°C mark. The dry conditions in the past 24 hours have been particularly harsh, with no significant rainfall expected to break the heat. For the next few days, Gujarat will continue to experience a mixture of heat and dry weather, with temperatures forecast to hover between 40°C and 44°C across various regions, including Saurashtra and Kutch.
Although the state has not yet been officially placed under a heatwave warning, the conditions are expected to be oppressive in coastal areas of South Gujarat and parts of Saurashtra-Kutch, where the combination of heat and humidity could make it feel even hotter. This oppressive heat is expected to persist at least until May 3, and while no dramatic changes in the weather are expected over the next few days, a fresh spike in temperatures of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius is likely to occur.
Cities like Rajkot, Surendranagar, Amreli, and Bhuj are experiencing temperatures between 42°C and 44°C, and while slightly cooler conditions are expected in South Gujarat cities such as Surat and Vadodara (around 34°C to 40°C), these regions will also be subject to a gradual increase in temperatures. As the heat intensifies, local authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and be mindful of the potential health risks posed by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Looking further ahead, the weather outlook for Gujarat, Diu, Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli remains dry, with no significant weather disturbances expected. Even the forecasts for May 4 and 5 predict a continuation of the hot, dry conditions, with no major weather changes in sight. As Gujarat experiences one of its hottest periods this year, residents are urged to take all necessary steps to protect themselves from the extreme heat.
AM.
