Ahmedabad is reeling under an unseasonal heatwave, with temperatures soaring well above normal levels. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the heat is only set to intensify. Forecasts indicate that the mercury could reach 40°C on Monday, with a minimum temperature of around 20°C. By Tuesday, the maximum temperature may rise even further, potentially hitting 41°C, worsening heatwave conditions.

The city recorded a maximum temperature of 38.7°C on Sunday, 4.5°C higher than the usual 34.2°C for this time of year. The minimum temperature also remained elevated at 21°C, exceeding the average by 3.1°C.

Meteorologists attribute this early onset of extreme heat to shifting weather patterns affecting Gujarat. Heatwave conditions, which typically appear in the latter half of March, have arrived significantly earlier, impacting multiple districts, including Rajkot, Kutch, and Surendranagar. Over the coming days, temperatures in interior regions of Saurashtra-Kutch, as well as parts of South and North Gujarat, are expected to range between 40°C and 42°C.

Apart from Ahmedabad, 12 other districts, Kutch, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Botad, Surat, and Valsad are also expected to experience severe heat in the coming days.

With temperatures climbing rapidly, authorities are advising residents to take precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure, and limiting outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.