Gujarat Experiences Welcome Respite as Heatwave Intensity Subsides
For the second consecutive day, temperatures across Gujarat have remained below the 40°C mark, providing much-needed relief from the intense heatwave that has gripped the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast further improvement in weather conditions, predicting a gradual temperature drop of 2-4°C over the next three days beginning Saturday.
Temperature Readings Across Major Cities
Rajkot recorded the highest temperature at 39.8°C, followed closely by Ahmedabad at 39.5°C, Surat at 39.3°C, and Vadodara at 39.2°C. Other cities including Amreli (38.9°C), Bhuj (38.4°C), Bhavnagar (38.2°C), and Gandhinagar (38°C) also maintained temperatures slightly below the 40°C threshold.
Coastal areas remained significantly cooler, with Dwarka recording 29.4°C, Okha at 31.3°C, Veraval at 31.1°C, and Diu at 34.6°C. This represents a substantial improvement from earlier conditions when these coastal stations had experienced temperatures approaching 40°C.
Meteorological Factors Behind the Temperature Drop
Weather officials attribute this temperature decline to the possible onset of western disturbance, which has helped moderate the extreme heat conditions. IMD data reveals that the average deviation of maximum temperatures from normal across reporting stations has now reduced to approximately 3°C above normal levels.
This marks a significant improvement compared to conditions just three days ago, when daytime temperatures were soaring 7-10°C above normal, particularly affecting coastal towns and cities in the Saurashtra region.
Public Health Advisory and Traffic Measures
The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has issued a comprehensive public health advisory in response to the ongoing heat conditions. Authorities are urging residents to avoid outdoor travel between noon and 4pm, when temperatures typically peak.
As part of the Heat Wave Action Plan, all traffic signals in affected areas will remain switched off between 1pm and 4pm. This measure aims to reduce motorists' exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Police personnel will manually regulate traffic where necessary to ensure smooth flow despite the signal shutdown.
Precautionary Measures Recommended
The civic body has outlined several protective measures for residents:
- Cover heads with caps, umbrellas, or cloth when outdoors
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing to minimize heat absorption
- Maintain hydration by drinking water, buttermilk, lemon water, and coconut water
- Take extra care of vulnerable groups including the elderly, young children, and those who are ill
Officials emphasize that anyone experiencing heatstroke symptoms such as dizziness, heavy-headedness, vomiting, or severe fatigue should immediately rest in a shaded area and seek medical attention.
Rainfall Forecast for Coming Days
IMD has forecast light rain or thundershowers on March 19 and March 20 at isolated locations across several districts:
- North Gujarat: Banaskantha and Patan districts
- South Gujarat: Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, and Tapi districts
- Other regions: Surendranagar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Morbi, Gir Somnath, Botad, Kutch, and Diu
This anticipated rainfall is expected to provide additional relief from the heatwave conditions that have affected Gujarat in recent weeks.
