Gandhinagar: After a few showers of unseasonal rain in some districts last week, the mercury has skyrocketed in the state of Gujarat. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning in parts of Saurashtra, with an orange alert in Porbandar, Junagadh, and Bhavnagar for severe heatwave conditions.

According to the latest bulletin from the IMD, “Severe heat wave conditions very likely to prevail at isolated pockets in the districts of Saurashtra namely Porbandar, Junagadh and Bhavnagar,” on April 17th

IMPACT: High temperature. Increased likelihood of heat illness symptoms in people who are either exposed to sun for a prolonged period or doing heavy work. High health concern for vulnerable people e.g. infants, elderly, people with chronic diseases.

SUGGESTED ACTIONS: (a) Avoid heat exposure– keep cool. Avoid dehydration. (b) Drink sufficient water- even if not thirsty. (c) Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. to keep yourself hydrated.

On April 18th, ” Heat wave conditions very likely to prevail at isolated pockets in Kutch district.”

IMPACT: Moderate temperature. Heat is tolerable for general public but moderate health concern for vulnerable people e.g. infants, elderly, people with chronic diseases.

SUGGESTED ACTIONS: (a) Avoid heat exposure. (b) Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes (c) Cover your head.

The IMD also stated that Ahmedabad is also likely to experience a severe heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius.

 CITY WEATHER FORECAST FOR AHMEDABAD

LEGENDS: –

• Severe Heat wave criteria:

When maximum temp. departure from normal ≥ 6.5 deg. C & maximum temperature ≥ 40 °C

• Heat wave criteria:

When maximum temp. departure from normal ≥ 4.5 deg. C & maximum temperature ≥ 40 °C

• Probability of occurrences:
• Unlikely: less than 25 %

Likely: 25-50%

Very Likely: 50 to 75%

Most likely: 75 to 100%

• Levels

Yellow: 41.1-43 °C

Orange: 43.1-44.9 °C

Red: ≥45.0 °C