Ahmedabad swelters at 44.4°C as humidity adds to misery

Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad sweltered under intense summer conditions on Thursday as the city recorded a maximum temperature of 44.4 degrees celsius — 2.5 degrees above normal — pushing residents deeper into heat survival mode.From dupattas wrapped tightly across faces to tea stalls offering brief refuge under makeshift tarpaulin sheets, the scorching afternoon heat dominated daily life across the city.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast hot and humid conditions for Ahmedabad over the next two days, warning that rising moisture levels alongside high daytime temperatures could increase discomfort significantly.While isolated pockets across Gujarat are likely to continue witnessing temperatures above 40 degrees celsius, weather officials have indicated that relief may gradually begin thereafter. A drop of 3–5 degrees is expected as pre-monsoon thunderstorm activity starts developing over parts of the state next week.Dry weather conditions are expected to continue for now, but north and central Gujarat may begin receiving light to moderate rain and thunderstorms from May 30 onwards. Ahmedabad too is likely to experience pre-monsoon activity by early next week.Despite the severe heat, civic health authorities said the city has so far avoided a major heat-health emergency this summer.Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) medical officer Dr Bhavin Solanki said hospitals have mainly been handling routine summer-related illnesses such as dehydration, diarrhoea and heat-induced weakness.“Hospitals have largely seen cases of dehydration, diarrhoea and heat-induced weakness rather than serious emergencies. We have not seen major heat emergencies so far this season. Hospitals have adequate medicines and bed capacity, and the current situation has not required any extraordinary measures,” he said.Deputy health officer Tejas Shah said only two heatstroke cases have been reported so far this season — one in April and another in May.According to civic officials, hospitals remain on alert with emergency arrangements including water coolers, air coolers, ice stock and essential medicines kept ready during peak heat hours.Box: Green cover to beat the heatAs temperatures continue to remain high, AMC’s parks and gardens department has intensified maintenance efforts across public gardens in the city. Officials said regular watering of trees, lawns and plants is being carried out, while earthen pots filled with clean drinking water have been placed for visitors across several public spaces.Principal director general of the department, Amrish Patel, said the civic body’s annual plantation drive beginning in June will focus on planting canopy trees that provide dense shade during summers.According to AMC officials, nearly 80% of previously planted saplings have survived, while failed plantations are replaced during the following monsoon cycle.