Ahmedabad roasts at 44.3°C, braces for 45°C today

Ahmedabad: The city baked under severe heat on Monday as soaring temperatures pushed the city deeper into an intense summer spell. With the mercury touching 44.3°C and humidity adding to the discomfort, deserted roads reflected the impact of the afternoon heat. The met department has forecast heatwave conditions in Ahmedabad over the next two days and warned that temperatures could reach 45°C on Tuesday.

Monday was the third day this summer that Ahmedabad crossed the 44-degree mark. The temperature was 2.7 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 30°C, 2.9 degrees higher than usual, leaving residents with little relief even at night.

The scorching conditions emptied roads and public spaces during afternoon hours as people preferred to stay indoors to escape the punishing heat. Those forced to step out relied on water, lemon juice and other fluids to cope with the soaring temperatures. At the same time, many pedestrians shielded themselves from the blazing sun under umbrellas.

In several areas, residents and volunteers placed earthen water pots for birds and animals struggling in the extreme weather.

The India meteorological department (IMD) has warned that conditions may worsen further, with Ahmedabad likely to reach 45°C on Tuesday. The city is also expected to remain under heatwave conditions for the next two days.

According to the IMD forecast, maximum temperatures across Gujarat are likely to remain between 41°C and 45°C in several pockets over the next four days before a possible fall of 2 to 4 degrees later in the week.

An orange alert has been issued for Surendranagar and Kutch on Tuesday and Wednesday, signalling severe heatwave conditions. A yellow alert has also been issued for Banaskantha, Patan, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Anand, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Amreli, Devbhoomi Dwarka and Botad during the same period.

Surendranagar emerged as the hottest city in Gujarat on Monday, with a maximum temperature of 45.5°C, followed closely by Kandla at 45.4 °C. Ahmedabad and Amreli both recorded 44.3°C, while Gandhinagar touched 44°C. Almost all major cities and towns across Gujarat reported maximum temperatures above 40°C.

Doctors in Ahmedabad have also reported an increase in heat-related illnesses, particularly diarrhoea, vomiting and muscle pain cases. Physicians have advised people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, and refrain from consuming outside food during the ongoing heat spell.