Heat’s just not done: Temp could hit 45°C

Ahmedabad: Unrelenting heat from the blazing summer sun kept Sunday's maximum temperature too at a baking 43.3°C, which was 1.8 degrees above normal. It was the fourth straight day of the maximum temperature in the city crossing 43°C. And, it's going to stay this way, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting another day of a stinging 43°C on Monday. There's more. The day could be the start of heatwave conditions in the city and in Gandhinagar, when temperatures are likely to soar to 44-45°C, experts warned.Evenings and nights are getting only marginally better. On Monday, the intense, dry daytime heat simmered down to a minimum temperature of 29°C, which was 2.3 degrees above normal.The early periods of April and May were marked by spells of Western Disturbance. Ahmedabad had even recorded light showers last week. However, with their dissipation, there is no respite in sight. Experts say that the dry winds prevailing over the region with minimal humidity are making the heat singeing even at relatively less temperatures. Since April 12, Ahmedabad has been recording temperatures above 40°C with just three days of relatively pleasant weather.The forecast for Gujarat points to a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3 degrees celsius over the next five days. "Thereafter, a fall of 2-3 degrees celsius is very likely over the region. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 41-45°C at a few places in the state during this period," the forecast states. On Monday, heatwave conditions are also expected in Banaskantha, Patan, Anand, Surat, Vadodara, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Amreli, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Botad and Kutch, while most of these districts will continue to experience heatwave conditions from Tuesday to Thursday.Kandla recorded the highest maximum temperature at 45.2°C, followed by 45°C in Surendranagar, 44.3°C in Rajkot, and 44.1°C in Amreli.