State of Gujarat experienced early heat this season. Heat wave conditions prevailed and mercury rose to 41-42°C across the state with extreme blaze over Saurashtra and interior Gujarat, including the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Surendranagar topped the list with 41.7°C and Ahmedabad, a close 2nd at 41.5°C. Even the coastal cities, otherwise experiencing warm and sultry conditions, faced soaring temperatures. Heat wave conditions prevailed with temperatures reaching or exceeding 40°C at Surat, Valsad, Bhavnagar, Mahuva and Porbandar. The state witnessed early glimpse of ascending mercury much above the expected levels.
Gujarat, along with Rajasthan remains the hottest pocket on the western flank, during pre monsoon season. In the absence of any other weather activity, excruciating heat becomes very common and frequent, raising the bar of discomfort. The state has to go through the rough till the monsoon arrives by mid June. Many pockets of the state including Kutch become the heat islands and the peak intensity realized during May.
Next round of heat is just around the corner. Anticyclone over Rajasthan fanning northeasterly winds over most parts is expected to drift eastward. Absence of any active western disturbance across northern plains has spelled long dry spell. Accumulated heat is going to raise the mercury, possibly once again amounting to heat wave conditions. Presently, the dip in the temperature by 2-4°C, provided marginal relief over most parts. Gradual rise in the day temperature will expose the state to the next round of ‘scorch’ around the weekend, between 26th and 27th March.
