Ahmedabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) today issued a heat wave warning for parts of Gujarat, with temperatures expected to gradually rise across the state over the next few days. According to the weather bulletin issued this noon, heat wave conditions were recorded in isolated pockets of Saurashtra, particularly in Bhavnagar district and Diu during the last 24 hours.

The IMD bulletin states that today and tomorrow, heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated pockets of Bhavnagar while hot & humid air conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated places over the coastal areas.

On March 8th to 10th, heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail in Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, Valsad and in Daman along with Porbandar, Veraval, Bhavnagar and in Diu.

The bulletin also states that during the past 24 hours ending at 8:30 am today, weather conditions remained dry across the Gujarat region, Saurashtra–Kutch, and the Union Territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The highest maximum temperature recorded in the region was 38°C at Bhavnagar, while the lowest minimum temperature was 15.1°C at Keshod.

The IMD said maximum temperatures were appreciably to markedly above normal in parts of Saurashtra, while several areas of the Gujarat region and Kutch recorded above-normal temperatures. Minimum temperatures were also above normal in many parts of the state.

Temperatures likely to rise further

According to the forecast, maximum and minimum temperatures across the state are expected to rise by 2–3°C over the next seven days. Dry weather is likely to prevail in all districts of Gujarat, Saurashtra–Kutch, and the Union Territories during the entire forecast period until March 13.

Ahmedabad forecast

For Ahmedabad and surrounding areas, the IMD has predicted clear skies with a maximum temperature around 35°C and a minimum temperature around 22°C for the next 24 hours.

Health advisory

The IMD said that while the heat may remain tolerable for the general public, vulnerable groups such as infants, elderly people, and those with chronic illnesses could face moderate health risks. Residents have been advised to avoid direct heat exposure, wear light cotton clothing, and cover their heads while stepping outdoors. DeshGujarat