Ahmedabad has recorded a scorching 40.4°C in early March, marking the first time in at least two decades that temperatures have soared this high so soon. Previously, the earliest instance of 40°C in the city was on March 15, 2022, according to historical weather data.
Gujarat is currently reeling under an intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 41–42°C in multiple districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Kutch, Surendranagar, Morbi, Rajkot, Porbandar, Junagadh, and Surat for Tuesday, warning of extreme heat conditions.
The rising mercury has already begun to take a toll, with residents experiencing dizziness, skin irritation, and nausea due to the relentless heat. On Monday, Ahmedabad recorded a maximum of 40.4°C, 6.2 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature was 20.8°C, nearly 3 degrees higher than usual.
IMD Gujarat director stated, “Temperatures in red-alert districts are expected to touch 41–42°C, with both maximum and minimum temperatures remaining high, providing no relief from the heat. Some districts may see the alert downgraded to orange on Wednesday.”