Ahmedabad has been experiencing relentless heat, but a closer examination reveals that the burden is not evenly distributed. Over the past fortnight, the eastern parts of the city have been approximately two degrees Celsius hotter than the western side, according to an analysis by city-based spacetech startup SatLeo Labs, which provides ambient heat forecasts to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) under its Heat Action Plan (HAP).
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Ahmedabad crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark on April 11 and, by May 1, had recorded 21 consecutive days with maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. The peak occurred on April 26, when the temperature reached 44.8 degrees Celsius, the highest of the season so far. A senior SatLeo Labs official noted, 'Around April 20-21, temperatures jumped by nearly 1.5 degrees within a day and stayed elevated through the latter half of the month, with another peak of around 44 degrees Celsius recorded on April 27.'
Ambient Temperature Monitoring
Unlike Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) readings, which rely on standard thermometer stations, SatLeo Labs tracks ambient temperature—the actual heat experienced across different parts of the city. This data reveals a consistent east-west divide, with eastern neighbourhoods staying significantly hotter. Experts attribute this to a mix of urban and industrial factors. Areas such as Naroda, Odhav, and Lambha feature dense industrial clusters with corrugated metal roofs and asphalt-heavy infrastructure that absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This creates what experts describe as a 'localised industrial heat engine,' adding one to two degrees to surrounding temperatures.
Role of Landfill and Green Spaces
The Pirana landfill site also plays a role, acting as a thermal source that radiates heat and traps it in nearby eastern and southern zones. In contrast, western parts of Ahmedabad benefit from relatively more open spaces and greener pockets, which help moderate temperatures. A senior AMC official stated that the forecast helps in strategising for the Heat Action Plan, including where to deploy ambulances, water supply points, and other emergency resources during extreme heat.
