Gujarat Faces Intense Heatwave as IMD Issues Red Alert with Temperatures Soaring Above 42 Degrees Celsius

Severe Heatwave Alert in Gujarat: Warm Nights Expected in 5 Districts, Heatwave Forecast for 19 Districts

Gujarat is experiencing intense heat unusually early this year, with temperatures soaring since the beginning of March. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Surat, Rajkot, Kutch, Morbi, Surendranagar, Junagadh, and Porbandar. Additionally, an Orange Alert is in place for Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Botad, and Bhavnagar.

Furthermore, five districts will experience warm nights, while a heatwave alert has been issued for 19 districts. On March 12, an Orange Alert has been declared for Kutch, Banaskantha, Morbi, Surendranagar, Rajkot, and Surat, indicating extreme heat conditions that may persist even at night.

Warm Nights in Five Districts

According to the IMD, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Kutch, Surat, and Banaskantha will experience warm nights, where nighttime temperatures will remain high, causing discomfort and making sleep difficult.

Temperature Expected to Reach 42-43°C

The IMD predicts that temperatures in several districts will rise to 42-43°C. In the past three days, most regions in Gujarat have recorded temperatures above 38°C. Due to the extreme heat, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has implemented a Heat Action Plan, including reminders in schools every 90 minutes for students to drink water and turning off traffic signals from 11 AM to 5 PM to minimize heat exposure.

Why Is Gujarat Experiencing Intense Heat?

According to Dr. A.K. Das, Director of the Meteorological Department, dry winds from the north and northeast are currently affecting Gujarat. No significant weather system is expected in the next 48 hours, allowing direct sunlight to increase temperatures significantly. However, after 48 hours, a Western Disturbance might provide slight relief by lowering temperatures by 2-3°C.

Last year, Ahmedabad recorded its first 39.9°C temperature on March 26. However, due to Western Disturbances and Anti-Cyclonic Circulation, temperatures have already exceeded 40°C in early March this year. On March 10, Bhuj recorded the highest temperature at 42°C.

What is a Warm Night?

A warm night occurs when nighttime temperatures remain above 30°C, preventing the air from cooling down. This leads to persistent heat even at night, causing discomfort and increasing health risks.

Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan: Key Measures Implemented

To combat the extreme heat, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has taken several precautions:

BRTS and AMTS buses will provide drinking water and ORS packets for passengers and staff.
Major bus depots will have green net covers, coolers, and fans for worker relief.
Schools will ring a water-drinking bell every 90 minutes, and school timings may change during Red Alerts.
Public gardens will remain open from 6 AM to 11 PM to provide shade.
Green nets will be installed at major traffic junctions, and traffic signals will be turned off from 11 AM to 5 PM.
All Urban and Community Health Centers will have ORS centers, and Anganwadi centers will stock ORS packets.
Social organizations will set up drinking water stations in various areas.
Traffic police officers will receive ORS packets to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Heatwave Impact: Rising Mortality Rates in Summer

Over the past 25 years, Ahmedabad has experienced temperatures above 43°C for a total of 290 days between April and June. In 2024 alone, temperatures exceeded 43°C on 19 days, with Red Alerts issued on 13 of those days.

The extreme heat has also led to an increase in mortality rates. In April 2024, 5,014 deaths were recorded, which rose to 5,306 in May and 5,292 in June.

What is a Heatwave?

According to the IMD, a heatwave occurs when temperatures reach 40°C in plains and 30°C in hilly areas. If temperatures rise to 47°C or more, it is classified as a severe heatwave.

Expert Predictions: 2025 May Break Heat Records

Meteorologist Paresh Goswami has warned that March 9-13, 2025, will bring intense heat and strong winds. The current wind speed of 9-13 km/h may increase to 18-22 km/h, with northwestern winds carrying humid air from the Arabian Sea. This could increase humidity, discomfort, and heat stress, especially in coastal areas like Saurashtra, Kutch, and South Gujarat.

Experts predict that 2025 may break multiple heat records, with Gujarat experiencing more frequent and severe heatwaves in the coming months.