Yellow Alert Issued in Ahmedabad; Temperature May Touch 43°C This Week

Ahmedabad: Daytime temperatures in the city are set to climb to around 43°C later this week, beginning Tuesday, according to the health department of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). In response, authorities have issued a yellow alert for Ahmedabad until Saturday.

As per the latest weather report by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Ahmedabad logged a maximum temperature of 40.2°C on Monday, which is 0.6°C above normal, while the minimum stood at 26.8°C, 1.7°C above normal.

The civic body has also identified 76 locations across the city as heat hotspots, areas where heatwave conditions are either emerging or likely to intensify. For April 21 and 22, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 41°C, with minimum temperatures near 27°C. By April 26 and 27, the mercury could rise to 43°C, prompting the AMC to enforce a yellow alert from April 21 through April 27.

In the eastern zones of Ahmedabad, Lambha ward has reported the highest number of hotspots at 12. Vatva has three such pockets, while Isanpur, Danilimda, and Behrampura have one each. Vastral has six hotspots, Ramol has 10, and Ranip has three identified areas. Other localities, including Stadium, India Colony, Sardarnagar, and Bodakdev, have one hotspot each.

The AMC has urged residents to take precautions against the heat. People are advised to carry water when stepping outdoors and stay hydrated by consuming fluids such as water, lemon juice, buttermilk, and coconut water. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended, while spicy, protein-heavy, and stale foods should be avoided.

Officials have further advised limiting intake of tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks. Residents should use protective gear like umbrellas, hats, or scarves when outdoors and, if possible, avoid going out between noon and 4 pm. Wearing light-coloured, loose cotton clothing and taking frequent breaks in cool places during work hours is also recommended.

Special care should be taken for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

Common symptoms of heatstroke include heat rashes, excessive sweating, weakness, and palpitations. Other warning signs may include headaches, dizziness, red and dry skin, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Anyone experiencing such symptoms is advised to seek medical attention promptly.

Across Gujarat, several regions are already witnessing elevated temperatures. Rajkot recorded the highest maximum at 41.1°C, followed by Amreli at 40.9°C. Baroda and Deesa both recorded 39.6°C, while Bhuj touched 39.2°C. Coastal areas remained relatively cooler, with Veraval at 31.3°C and Dwarka at 30.5°C. Most stations reported no rainfall, indicating persistently dry conditions across the state. DeshGujarat