Ahmedabad sizzles at 43.7°C, orange alert issued for next two days

Ahmedabad continued to reel under intense heat on Thursday as the city recorded a maximum temperature of 43.7°C, prompting the weather department to issue an orange alert for the next two days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature in Ahmedabad was 1.7 degrees above normal and is expected to hover around 43 to 44°C for the next five days.

The city also witnessed warmer nights, with the minimum temperature recorded at 2.5 degrees above normal.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Friday and Saturday, warning of severe heat conditions, followed by a yellow alert for the subsequent three days.

Authorities have identified selective hotspots in the city that are likely to face intense heatwaves. 

These 46 hotspots across 16 wards in seven zones of Ahmedabad will be closely monitored during the three-day alert.

Hotspots of Ahmedabad: 

South: Lambha, Behampura, Maninagar

North: Naroda, India Colony, Sardarnagar

East: Ramol, Hathijan, Vastral, Odhav

South-West: Maktampura, Sarkhej

Middle: Shahibaug

West: Chandkheda

Several other parts of Gujarat also recorded temperatures above 43°C on Thursday, including Surendranagar, Gandhinagar, Amreli, Rajkot, Vadodara, Deesa, Junagadh and Bhavnagar.

Weather experts said a marginal decline in temperatures could be witnessed in some parts of the state from Wednesday onwards.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement and remain hydrated by drinking sufficient water.