Gujarat swelters, Rajasthan receives mild respite from heat

The heatwave that has swept across the state of Gujarat for over a fortnight continued unabated on Tuesday, while heavy dust storm followed by moderate showers has brought down the maximum temperature in most parts of Rajasthan.

In Gujarat, capital Gandhinagar recorded a temperature of 43.1 degree Celsius.
The temperature has been above 40 degree Celsius across the state for over a two weeks now.

“There is no significant rain-giving system in the to give it respite, and the temperature is likely to remain above 40 degrees for at least five days,” Jayanta Sarkar, Gujarat director of India Meteorological Department, told Deccan Herald. “The situation is going to be bad in the interiors like Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Amreli, Rajkot, Deesa and Bhuj.”

Though Sarkar had issued a heatwave warning for the state on Tuesday, the weather was relatively better due to westerly winds bringing in moist air. “Till yesterday (Monday), Gujarat had dry north-westerly winds. This had raised the temperature in many parts of the state even above 44.5 degrees, with Gandhinagar being hottest, at 44.6 degree Celsius,” Sarkar said.

The state government has also issued an advisory, asking people to not venture out unless “necessary”.

Over 16,822 people across state have called the emergency number 108 in April, complaining of heat-related ailments. This month, the number so far is 11,261.
The situation was somewhat different in Rajasthan, where hailstorm was reported in several parts, including the Bikaner district, on Tuesday.

“A cyclonic circulation is prevailing over north Rajasthan, which has led to change in wind pattern. As a result, the maximum temperature has dropped at several places followed by heavy dust storm, mild showers and hailstorm at few places,” said a Met department official.

Moderate rainfall of 14 mm was reported in the Bikaner district, followed by 11.4 mm in Pilani and 10.4 mm in Churu. The maximum temperature dropped by 2-5 degrees in all districts—a mild relief from the scorching heat.