Gujarat braces for harsher heatwave spell till May 14

Rajkot: Already reeling under intense heat, Gujarat is bracing for an even harsher spell of summer in the coming days, with the weather department forecasting heatwave conditions across several parts of the state till May 14.Temperatures, which have already breached the 40-degrees mark in many cities and towns, are expected to climb further across North Gujarat, Central Gujarat and the Saurashtra-Kutch region, intensifying discomfort for residents.On Saturday, the Kandla Airport weather station recorded the highest temperature in the state at a blistering 44.4°C, underlining the severity of the prevailing conditions.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heatwave conditions are likely to persist till May 15 in districts including Banaskantha, Patan, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara and Surat, besides Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Dwarka, Gir Somnath and Kutch.Officials cautioned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat could lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens and people working outdoors. Citizens have been advised to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated and take adequate precautions as Gujarat enters one of the harshest phases of this summer season.Heatwave defined: According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in plains or 30 degrees Celsius in hilly regions, with temperatures remaining 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius above normal. A severe heatwave is declared when the departure exceeds 6.4 degrees Celsius or when the maximum temperature crosses 45 degrees Celsius.