Ahmedabad temperature may cross 40°C this week

This week, maximum temperature is likely to touch and later cross the 40 degrees celsius mark in Ahmedabad, said Manorama Mohanty, the head of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Gujarat.

Several parts of Saurashtra and Kutch experienced high temperatures on Sunday, indicating that summer is intensifying in the state. Temperatures are likely to remain high on Monday. Maximum temperature reached 40.2 degrees celsius in Bhuj on Sunday, followed by 40 degrees in Rajkot.

"Weather conditions resulted in a heat wave in some parts of Gujarat," Mohanty said. "The forecast indicates a gradual rise in maximum temperature by 2-3 degrees celsius in the next 4-5 days."

In Ahmedabad, the mercury touched 38.8 degrees celsius on Sunday. It is likely to remain at about 39 degrees on Monday. Minimum temperature of 21 degrees was also slightly higher than normal, the IMD said.

IMD officials said that in 2021, maximum temperature in March in Ahmedabad had reached 41.7 degrees, in 2020 it hit 38.4 degrees, and in 2019 it touched 42.2 degrees. The majority of the highest temperatures were recorded between March 28 and 31.

Health experts advised citizens to avoid direct heat exposure for sustained periods, to cover their heads, and to wear loose-fitting, light-coloured cotton clothes.