Ahmedabad: For residents stepping outside on Monday, the city felt like a sauna. At 42.2 degrees Celsius, nearly one and a half degrees above the seasonal normal, the city recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state.
The night offered little respite, with the minimum temperature refusing to drop below a sticky 29.9 degrees Celsius, 0.4 degree higher than normal.
It was not the mercury making life miserable; it was the moisture. Relative humidity swung from a suffocating 62 percent at 8:30 am to 36 percent by 5:30 pm, trapping citizens in a relentless blanket of hot and humid air. Unfortunately for those looking for immediate relief, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a similar pattern on Tuesday, warning that this sweaty status quo will hold steady for the next seven days.
Heatwave Across Gujarat
While Ahmedabad baked alongside other hot zones like Bhavnagar (41.4 degrees Celsius) and Surendranagar (41.2 degrees Celsius), a silver lining is finally appearing on the horizon. The IMD reported that conditions are becoming increasingly favourable for the southwest monsoon to march through the central Arabian Sea, Karnataka, and Telangana.
Pre-Monsoon Showers Expected
For Gujarat, the real hope lies closer to home: parts of south Gujarat are expected to catch light to moderate pre-monsoon showers by the weekend. This development could bring some relief from the oppressive heat and humidity that have gripped the region.
As the city continues to swelter, residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak hours, and take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses. The IMD will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any changes in weather patterns.
