Ahmedabad continued to swelter under an unrelenting summer sun as the maximum temperature on Sunday reached a scorching 43.3 degrees Celsius, which was 1.8 degrees above normal. This marked the fourth consecutive day that the city's maximum temperature crossed the 43-degree mark. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the intense heat is expected to persist, with Monday forecast to see another day of a stinging 43 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave Conditions Expected
Experts have warned that Monday could mark the beginning of heatwave conditions in Ahmedabad and neighboring Gandhinagar, where temperatures are likely to soar to 44-45 degrees Celsius. Evenings and nights are offering only marginal relief, with the minimum temperature on Monday settling at 29 degrees Celsius, which was 2.3 degrees above normal.
Lack of Respite from Dry Heat
The early parts of April and May were characterized by spells of Western Disturbance, which even brought light showers to Ahmedabad last week. However, with the dissipation of these disturbances, there is no respite in sight. Experts attribute the intense heat to dry winds prevailing over the region with minimal humidity, making the heat feel more severe even at relatively lower temperatures.
Since April 12, Ahmedabad has recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, with only three days of relatively pleasant weather. The forecast for Gujarat indicates a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next five days. "Thereafter, a fall of 2-3 degrees Celsius is very likely over the region. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 41-45 degrees Celsius at a few places in the state during this period," the IMD forecast states.
Districts Under Heatwave Warning
On Monday, heatwave conditions are also expected in Banaskantha, Patan, Anand, Surat, Vadodara, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Amreli, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Botad, and Kutch. Most of these districts are likely to continue experiencing heatwave conditions from Tuesday to Thursday.
Kandla recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 45.2 degrees Celsius, followed by 45 degrees Celsius in Surendranagar, 44.3 degrees Celsius in Rajkot, and 44.1 degrees Celsius in Amreli.
