Ahmedabad is experiencing an intense heatwave, with city doctors reporting a significant increase in heat-related illnesses. Residents are struggling not only with scorching daytime temperatures but also with unusually warm nights that provide little respite. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ahmedabad recorded a maximum temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius on Monday, which was 1.7 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature settled at 29.5 degrees Celsius, nearly 2 degrees higher than the average for this time of year.
Impact of Warm Nights on Health
Physicians have noted that the lack of cooling after sunset is prolonging heat exposure and increasing physical stress on the body. A city-based physician explained, "It is not just the afternoons anymore. One can feel the hot winds even during the evening hours. Prolonged exposure to such conditions reduces the body's ability to dissipate heat effectively, leading to muscle fatigue, body ache, headaches, and overall exhaustion."
Surge in Outpatient Cases
Doctors have reported that outpatient departments (OPDs) are witnessing a surge in patients suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. The elevated temperatures are also contributing to bacterial infections and stomach ailments. "Most of the heat-related cases are linked to dehydration and gastrointestinal infections. Citizens are being advised to stay hydrated, avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours, and cover their heads when outdoors," the physician added.
Temperature Trends and Forecast
Ahmedabad remained the hottest city in Gujarat on Monday, and IMD forecasts indicate that temperatures may hover around 44 degrees Celsius on Tuesday as well. Across Gujarat, most regions are expected to continue recording temperatures above 40 degrees. Except for a few days this season, Ahmedabad has consistently remained above the 40-degree mark for nearly a month.
Emergency Calls and Health Warnings
Emergency response service EMRI 108 officials said they are consistently receiving around 10 to 15 heat emergency calls daily from Ahmedabad, with vomiting and diarrhoea among the primary complaints. Medical experts have also pointed to the phenomenon of "heat shock," where people moving abruptly from air-conditioned environments of 20-22 degrees Celsius into outdoor temperatures of 42-43 degrees experience sudden stress on the body. "The sudden temperature difference affects the body's ability to adapt, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions," another physician said.
Impact on Animals and Birds
The extreme heat is also affecting animals and birds. City-based NGOs working in animal rescue and welfare have reported a spike in distress cases. Gira Shah, trustee of Jivdaya Charitable Trust (JCT), said the organisation has been treating several dogs suffering from abnormally high fevers. "Normally, a dog's temperature remains around 102°F, but we are now seeing cases where it rises to 108°F due to the heat," Shah said. "It takes nearly four hours to stabilise them after treatment."
