Gujarat Sizzles: Mercury Breach Thirty Eight Degrees Across The State
Key Takeaways:
- Gujarat is witnessing early heat build-up, with several cities already crossing 38°C.
- Rajkot recorded 39.2°C, the highest in the state so far this season.
- Porbandar has entered heat wave conditions, while Surat narrowly misses the criteria.
- Temperatures across Saurashtra and Central Gujarat may cross 40°C within the next week.
The heat is building up over the westernmost state, Gujarat, earlier than normal. The day temperatures have crossed 38°C at many places. The coastal cities have also crossed the 37°C mark, the threshold value for heat wave conditions. The interiors of Saurashtra are the hottest parts of the state. No immediate respite is likely and, rather, the temperatures may rise further during the week.
The state capital Gandhinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 38°C for the first time this season, whereas the twin city Ahmedabad recorded 38.6°C yesterday, repeating the same temperature for the second consecutive day. Other cities such as Baroda, Deesa, Amreli, and Rajkot also exceeded 38°C. Rajkot was the hottest at 39.2°C, the first such reading this season. Even coastal stations like Surat and Porbandar exceeded 37°C, with Surat being the highest along the coastline at 37.9°C.
A heat wave is declared for coastal stations when the maximum temperature reaches 37°C and the departure from normal is 4.5°C or more. Porbandar meets this criterion and falls under heat wave conditions. However, Surat recorded a departure of 3.6°C from normal, and therefore misses the mark.
The seasonal anticyclone continues to remain displaced from Rajasthan and adjoining West Madhya Pradesh. The southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea remain suspended, and the pattern is unlikely to change soon. The month of March has started on a hot note and is likely to become hotter further. Some locations in the state, particularly the interiors of Saurashtra and Central Gujarat, may breach the 40°C mark within the next week.
