Ahmedabad is currently facing an intense heatwave, resulting in a surge of heatstroke cases and related medical emergencies. According to data from EMRI 108, the city has witnessed a staggering 16 heatstroke incidents this month alone, with 13 occurring on Thursday.
This surge in heat-related emergencies coincided with the season’s hottest day, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 46.6°C, marking it as the fifth hottest May day on record for Ahmedabad. In response to the alarming situation, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has issued a red alert for Saturday and an orange alert for the subsequent four days. EMRI 108 emergency services reported a significant spike in heat-related emergencies, with Ahmedabad recording 77 cases and Gujarat as a whole registering 224 cases on Thursday. Most cases were attributed to high fever, heatstroke, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Comparative analysis of data from last year revealed an 18% increase in emergencies in April and a remarkable 67% rise in May for Ahmedabad. Across Gujarat, the rise was 1% in April and 35% in May, making the latter the hottest month in the state. Physicians in the city noted that the prevailing dry heat, coupled with relative humidity below 20% since May 18, has exacerbated the situation, leading to various heat-induced health issues including cold-like symptoms, respiratory problems, and skin irritations.
On Friday, Ahmedabad recorded a scorching high of 45.5°C, making it the hottest place in Gujarat alongside Gandhinagar. Other hotspots included Deesa, VV Nagar, Kandla, and Surendranagar, all experiencing temperatures above 44°C. The forecast predicts a continuation of high temperatures around 45°C on Saturday, with maximum temperatures expected to be 3.6 degrees higher than normal and minimum temperatures 1.9 degrees above normal.