Rajkot: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued critical weather warnings as heat wave conditions continue to grip large parts of Gujarat. With temperatures rising markedly above normal, the Meteorological Centre in Ahmedabad has placed several districts under Red and Orange alerts, signalling a high risk of heat-related illnesses.

Alerts and Affected Areas

For today, a Red Alert is in effect for Surendranagar and Rajkot, where severe heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail in a few pockets.

An Orange Alert has been issued for the following regions due to expected severe heat wave conditions in isolated pockets: Banaskantha, Patan, Vadodara, Surat, Porbandar, Junagadh, Amreli, Morbi, Gir Somnath, Botad, Kutch, and Diu.

Additionally, a Yellow Alert is active for Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Anand, Bharuch, Jamnagar, and Bhavnagar.

Tomorrow, Surendranagar and Rajkot will remain under an Orange Alert for likely severe heat wave conditions. A Yellow Alert has been issued for Banaskantha, Patan, Vadodara, and Surat, and for the Saurashtra-Kutch districts, including Porbandar, Junagadh, Amreli, Morbi, and Kutch.

On March 13, heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated pockets in the Gujarat region, namely Banaskantha and Surat, and in the Saurashtra-Kutch districts of Surendranagar, Rajkot, and Kutch.

Current Conditions and Ahmedabad Forecast

In the past 24 hours, severe heat wave conditions were already recorded in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Deesa, and Anand, as well as several districts of Saurashtra-Kutch. Ahmedabad is expected to see a maximum temperature of around 41°C, with clear skies likely to continue into tomorrow. Coastal areas are also facing discomfort due to high humidity, which is expected to persist through March 13.

Health Advisory and Safety Measures

The IMD has warned that a Red Alert indicates a very high likelihood of heat stroke and heat-related illness for all age groups. Extreme care is required for vulnerable people, including infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.

Suggested precautions:

• Avoid heat exposure and stay in cool places.

• Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water, even if not thirsty, and use ORS or homemade drinks like lassi, lemon water, and buttermilk.

• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose cotton clothes.

• Cover your head with a cloth, hat, or umbrella when outdoors.

Future Outlook

The intense heat is expected to persist for the next 48 hours. The IMD has forecast no major change in maximum temperatures for the next two days, followed by a gradual fall of 2–4°C across the region. Dry weather is likely to continue across all districts for the next seven days. DeshGujarat