Heatwave: City among hottest in country at 41.2°C

Ahmedabad: The city was among the hottest weather stations in India on Tuesday as the mercury soared to 41.2 degrees celsius. It was 7 degrees higher than the normal temperatures for this time period. According to an India Meteorological Department (IMD) post on X early on Tuesday, the city's temperature up to 8.30 am was 40.4 degrees, which was 6.2 degrees higher than normal.
In fact, at 42 degrees, Bhuj was termed the hottest city or town in the post at that time, with a departure of 8 degrees from normal. It was the second-largest departure after Jaisalmer's 8.3 degrees.
IMD website data indicated that there were seven weather stations that recorded a departure of 8 degrees or more, resulting in red and orange alerts on Tuesday.
Amdavadis felt the impact of scorching heat right at the onset of summer as EMRI 108 recorded some of the earliest cases of heat-related emergencies. The officials, however, said that there was no major spike in cases.
The IMD forecast issued an ‘Orange Alert' for Wednesday for Banaskantha, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Anand, Surat, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Morbi, and Kutch. A ‘Yellow Alert' was issued for Sabarkantha, Porbandar, and Bhavnagar districts. In both instances, the maximum temperature is likely to be 40-41 degrees, said IMD officials.
"No large change in maximum temperatures during the next 48 hours; thereafter, a fall by 2-4 degrees celsius is very likely over the region. Maximum temperatures are very likely to be in the range of 40-43 degrees celsius during the next 1-2 days over the interior parts of Saurashtra-Kutch and adjoining parts of the North Gujarat region and over some parts of the South Gujarat region," mentioned the IMD forecast.
"Due to this, heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail over these parts. No large change in minimum temperatures during the next 24 hours; thereafter, a fall by 2-4 degrees celsius is very likely over the region," it said, adding that high heat and high humidity were expected in coastal areas of the state.
According to IMD, northeasterly to easterly winds are prevailing over the region. A change in wind directions may provide some respite from Thursday, indicated the forecast. City-based physicians have advised citizens to remain hydrated and cover their bodies to avoid direct sun exposure.