On Monday, the city experienced the second consecutive day of heat over 44°C, as the maximum temperature touched 44.2°C, 2.6 degrees higher than normal. On Sunday, the maximum temperature rose to 44.8°C, giving Ahmedabad its third hottest April day since records began.On Monday, the city did not get any respite during night hours, either, as the minimum temperature at 28.4°C was 2.3 degrees higher than normal. According to the India meteorological department (IMD) forecast, the maximum temperature on Tuesday is likely to be around 44°C in the city. The city was the hottest in Gujarat, followed by Bhuj (43.8°C), Kandla (43.5°C), Gandhinagar (43.4°C), and Amreli and Rajkot (43.3°C). The IMD forecast indicated that there will be no large change in maximum temperatures over the next three days. Afterwards, a gradual fall by 2-3 degrees during the subsequent four days is very likely over the region, added the forecast. “Maximum temperatures are very likely to be in the range of 41-45°C over a few pockets of inland areas of Gujarat and in the range of 35-40°C over isolated pockets of coastal areas during the next 3 days,” the IMD forecast said. On Tuesday, the coastal regions of Gujarat are likely to experience hot and humid weather, it added. IMD has issued a yellow alert for Patan, Rajkot, Surendranagar, Morbi and Kutch for Tuesday. The Heat Action Plan bulletin of the AMC indicated chances of maximum temperatures around 44°C and minimum temperatures around 28°C till May 2 in the city. The probability reduces from ‘most likely’ on April 28 to ‘likely’ on May 2 gradually, with an overall orange alert for the subsequent days. From May 3 onwards, temperatures in the 43-degree range may reduce the alert to yellow, according to the bulletin. Some hotspots identified by a city-based startup that uses air temperature as a measure for heat impact included parts of Lambha, Vatva, Vastral, Ramol-Hathijan, Chandkheda, Ranip, Sardarnagar, Naroda, Thaltej, and Gota. Experts have warned of heat stress due to high temperatures throughout the day and night, and advised citizens to remain hydrated, avoid direct heat, and cover their heads while going out. Several NGOs in the city are distributing water and buttermilk free to citizens.
