Gujarat heatwave: Rajkot tops India heat chart at 42 degrees Celsius, Ahmedabad sizzles at 41.4; IMD issues alert. Check latest forecast

Intense heat was experienced in large parts of Gujarat on Tuesday with Rajkot recording the highest maximum temperature in Saurashtra at 42°C, nearly 7.7 degrees above normal. In Ahmedabad, the temperature was recorded at 41.4 degrees Celsius, about 7.2 degrees above normal. Many districts in Gujarat crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark in the first week of March, meaning it could be a long and harsh summer.

Gujarat has emerged as one of the hottest regions in India this week, with temperatures soaring well above seasonal averages. According to the national bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Rajkot recorded a blistering 42°C on Tuesday, making it the highest maximum temperature reported among all IMD weather stations across the country.

Heatwave in Gujarat

The weather office said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions gripped many places in Gujarat's Saurashtra and Kutch regions as several parts of the country, including Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, recorded above-normal maximum temperatures. The IMD said that parts of Gujarat would continue to witness such conditions till March 13.

"Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions very likely in many/some places over… Saurashtra and Kutch on… March 12, and heatwave conditions in isolated pockets over the Gujarat region on March 12 and March 13, and over Saurashtra and Kutch on March 13," the IMD said.

The IMD issued an orange alert for severe heatwave conditions in Surendranagar and Rajkot districts on Thursday, and a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in Banaskantha, Patan, Vadodara, Surat, Porbandar, Junagadh, Amreli, Morbi, and Kutch. Hot and humid air conditions are likely to prevail across the coastal regions of the state, according to the forecast.

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Ahmedabad weather update

Ahmedabad is witnessing an intense early heat spell as temperatures surge far above seasonal averages. On Wednesday, the city recorded a scorching maximum temperature of 41.4°C, which is 7.2°C higher than the normal level for this time of the year. The minimum temperature also remained unusually high at 22.5°C, about 4.6°C above normal, indicating persistent warm conditions even during the night.

The IMD said the heat in Ahmedabad is likely to continue. On Thursday, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 41°C, while the minimum may settle near 24°C, offering little relief to residents.

IMD officials highlighted that the departure from normal temperatures is particularly alarming. Cities such as Ahmedabad and Rajkot are currently experiencing temperatures nearly 7°C above seasonal averages, a sign of severe heat conditions despite summer only just beginning.

“Apart from the high temperatures, the deviation from normal levels is also significant. In places like Rajkot and Ahmedabad, temperatures are about 7 degrees above normal, indicating severe heat conditions even though the summer season has just started,” an IMD official said.

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Gujarat heatwave: Advisory issued

Amid the rising temperatures, officials from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and medical experts have issued a public advisory urging residents to take precautions during the hottest hours of the day.

Authorities have advised people to avoid stepping out during the afternoon whenever possible, as the heat intensity remains extremely high. Citizens have been urged to stay well-hydrated, wear loose and light-coloured clothing, and cover their heads with caps, scarves or umbrellas while going outdoors.

Doctors have also recommended that those working under direct sunlight should take frequent breaks, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid prolonged exposure to heat to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. The advisory comes as the city continues to experience unusually high temperatures early in the summer season, raising concerns about heat stress among residents.

(With inputs from PTI and TOI)