Heatwave intensifies in Gujarat, Ahmedabad hottest at 43.8°C

Gujarat reeled under intense heat on Saturday as temperatures soared across the state, with nine major cities recording maximum temperatures above 41°C.

Ahmedabad emerged as the hottest location in the state, recording 43.8°C, which is 3.6 degrees above normal.

Officials said the city has witnessed a sharp rise of around 4 degrees in the past five days. This marks the fifth instance in the last 15 years that the temperature in April has crossed 43°C in Ahmedabad.

According to weather experts, the mercury in Ahmedabad could touch 45°C over the next two days.

Other cities also experienced severe heat, with Surat recording 41.2°C, 4.2° above normal. Temperatures above 41°C were also reported from Amreli, Rajkot, Bhuj, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Deesa and Bhavnagar.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the heatwave is likely to persist for the next four days, with temperatures expected to rise further by 2 to 3 degrees in parts of the state.

A ‘yellow alert’ has been issued for Ahmedabad due to the likelihood of temperatures exceeding 44°C. However, officials said a slight dip in temperatures may occur after the current spell.

Authorities have advised people to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated by consuming water and fluids, and wear light cotton clothing to minimise the impact of the heat.