Gujarat Heatwave: UV Index Touches 11 as Temperatures Cross 40°C and AQI Rises Across Major Cities

Gujarat continues to face intense heat, high ultraviolet (UV) radiation and deteriorating air quality, with Rajkot recording 40.1°C and the UV index reaching extreme levels in some locations. Air Quality Index (AQI) readings have crossed 100 in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot, raising concerns over public health.

The heat is expected to persist for at least five more days, with Ahmedabad likely to record temperatures around 38°C over the next three days.

Rajkot Records Six-Year Temperature High

Rajkot recorded a maximum temperature of 40.1°C, around 3.9°C above normal, marking its highest reading in six years, according to the reported figures.

Ahmedabad recorded 38.1°C, approximately 2.2°C above normal, while the minimum temperature rose to 26°C, around four degrees above normal.

Other cities also experienced high temperatures. Bhuj recorded 39.4°C, Amreli 38.3°C, Gandhinagar 39°C, Deesa 37.6°C, Vadodara and Bhavnagar 37.2°C, Surat 37°C and Porbandar 35.6°C.

With little cloud cover and dry weather prevailing across the state, temperatures have remained unusually high for the season.

UV Index Reaches Extreme Levels

The UV index, which measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, has reached 7 to 9 in several parts of Gujarat. Some municipal monitoring sensors have recorded readings as high as 11, an extreme level associated with a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

UV radiation cannot be seen, but prolonged exposure can damage the skin and eyes. The risk increases during the afternoon, when sunlight is intense and cloud cover is limited.

The UV index is generally classified into five levels: 0–2 indicates low risk, 3–5 moderate, 6–7 high, 8–10 very high and 11 or above extreme. Protection is recommended whenever the index reaches 3 or higher.

Prolonged Sun Exposure Can Damage Skin and Eyes

High UV exposure can accelerate skin ageing by damaging collagen and elastin, contributing to wrinkles and dark spots. It can also damage cellular DNA, increasing the risk of skin cancer over time.

The eyes are vulnerable too. Excessive UV exposure can damage the cornea and, in the long term, contribute to serious eye conditions.

Prolonged exposure can also affect the skin's natural protective mechanisms. Health experts recommend limiting direct exposure when UV levels are high.

AQI Crosses 100 in Four Major Cities

Alongside the heat, air pollution has emerged as another concern. Reported AQI readings have crossed 100 in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot.

Ahmedabad recorded an AQI of around 131, while Surat registered 143 and Vadodara 111. Readings from Rajkot's monitoring sensors ranged from 101 to 139.

An AQI above 100 indicates that air quality may pose a risk to sensitive groups, including children, older people and those with respiratory or heart conditions. Higher readings can affect a wider section of the population.

Dry weather and increased traffic during the Navratri period have been cited among the factors contributing to pollution concerns. However, the available figures do not establish how much each factor has contributed to the rise.

How to Protect Yourself From the Heat and UV Radiation

Residents should take precautions during the afternoon, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm, when UV exposure is generally strongest.

Wearing loose, breathable clothing that covers the skin, using a hat or umbrella and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen can help reduce exposure. Sunglasses that offer UV protection can help protect the eyes.

People should also drink sufficient water, limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat and check local weather and air-quality advisories before travelling.

With temperatures expected to remain around 38°C in Ahmedabad over the next three days and hot conditions continuing elsewhere in Gujarat, residents are advised to remain cautious about both heat exposure and air pollution.