Ahmedabad has witnessed a sharp rise in temperatures, with the mercury touching 41.3°C on Friday. This marks an alarming 2.9°C increase above the city’s normal seasonal average.
The escalating temperatures, which have been soaring for the past few days, are creating widespread concern among citizens and environmental experts alike, as the city braces for further spikes over the coming days. On Thursday, temperatures had already touched 40°C, and by Friday, the city saw the mercury climb higher, with the minimum temperature recorded at 23.6°C, which was 1.1°C above normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that this heat surge is not a fleeting anomaly but rather part of a larger trend. According to the IMD forecast, Ahmedabad can expect maximum temperatures to remain in the same range over the next day or so, with a gradual rise of 2-3°C predicted for the following four days. By Sunday and Monday, temperatures in parts of Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch are expected to hover between 40°C and 43°C, with the potential for heat warnings to escalate. The extreme heatwave gripping Ahmedabad is not an isolated event. Across Gujarat, ten cities recorded temperatures above 40°C, with Bhuj setting a concerning new benchmark at 44.5°C. This was among the five highest recorded April temperatures in the last decade, marking a sharp deviation of over 6°C from the region’s normal. Other cities like Surendranagar, Rajkot, and Deesa also reported alarming highs, adding to the growing pressure on public infrastructure and citizens alike.
Amid these rising temperatures, experts are sounding the alarm about the adverse health impacts of such severe weather conditions. The intense heat, especially during the afternoon hours, is causing significant discomfort and health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. While mornings and nights remain relatively cooler, the stark contrast between the daytime and nighttime temperatures—often over 17-18°C—further exacerbates the health challenges. Health professionals recommend staying hydrated, avoiding direct exposure to the sun, and refraining from sudden temperature fluctuations, like transitioning between air-conditioned spaces and outdoor heat, which can cause heat shock. The implications of this weather pattern are not limited to public health.
Experts suggest that the extended periods of high temperatures also contribute to environmental degradation, exacerbating air pollution and placing a strain on the city’s energy resources. With the mercury soaring well above normal levels, residents and local authorities are increasingly concerned about the city’s preparedness to handle these extreme conditions in the long term. In response to the rising temperatures, authorities have issued an orange alert for Kutch, while Rajkot and Kutch will remain on high alert over the weekend. Other regions, including Banaskantha, Patan, and Mehsana, are also set to face yellow alerts in the coming days. These warnings highlight the growing unpredictability of the region’s weather patterns and the urgent need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures.
While there has been no significant spike in heat-related emergencies so far, the trend is undeniable. Emergency services have begun receiving an increased number of heat-related distress calls, a clear indicator that the ongoing heatwave is starting to take a toll on public health. With each passing year, the frequency and severity of such heatwaves are expected to intensify, creating a growing need for resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban planning that can withstand the challenges of a rapidly changing climate. As Ahmedabad continues to grapple with the heat, it is evident that this surge in temperatures is not just a temporary inconvenience but a stark reminder of the larger environmental shifts that are reshaping cities across India. The growing intensity of heatwaves across the country demands immediate attention, urging policymakers, urban planners, and citizens to take proactive steps towards building more sustainable, climate-resilient cities that can better withstand the pressures of a hotter, more unpredictable future. This situation in Ahmedabad serves as a crucial wake-up call, pushing the conversation on climate change and sustainability to the forefront of public discourse. Only through a collective effort can the city begin to address the challenges posed by rising temperatures, ensuring a safer, more sustainable future for its residents.
Ahmedabad Sees Record-Breaking Heatwave with 41.3°C High
