Temperatures across many regions of Gujarat are expected to stay between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius over the next 3 to 4 days

Gujarat Swelters Under Early Heatwave as Mercury Touches 42°C

An unrelenting heatwave has gripped Gujarat, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 42°C in several parts of the state over the past two days. The India Meteorological Department warns this intense heat will persist for at least three more days, forcing residents to alter their daily routines and authorities to issue health advisories.  

The sudden temperature spike has caught many off guard, particularly as it arrives weeks earlier than typical summer peaks. In Ahmedabad's crowded markets, shopkeepers have begun closing their stalls by noon. "I've been selling vegetables here for 20 years, but this heat in early March is unusual," said 58-year-old Ramesh Patel, wiping sweat from his brow as he packed up his cart at 11 AM.  

Hospitals across the state report a 30% increase in heat-related cases, mostly among construction workers, street vendors, and the elderly. Dr. Meena Desai at Civil Hospital explained, "We're seeing multiple cases of heat exhaustion daily. The most vulnerable are those who can't avoid working outdoors or don't have access to cool spaces."  

The crisis has hit hardest in rural areas where water sources are dwindling rapidly. In Banaskantha district, women now walk an extra kilometer to fetch water as local wells dry up. Farmers watch helplessly as their wheat crops show signs of heat stress weeks before harvest.  

While urban centers fare slightly better, power grids strain under increased demand for cooling. The state government has implemented emergency measures, including extending hours at public cooling centers and distributing ORS packets in slum areas. Meteorologists predict some relief may come by week's end, but warn that climate patterns suggest such early heatwaves may become the new normal.  

As thermometers continue to climb, the people of Gujarat adapt as they always have - with resilience, but also growing concern about what this early scorcher portends for the coming summer months.