Under the present circumstances, Gujarat is facing a severe heatwave, and almost every place in the state is reporting scorching temperatures. The India Meteorological Department has put a red alert into effect in the nine districts, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Surat included, within the next couple of days, as mercury levels were expected to cross the threshold from 40°C to 42°C.
The situation thus calls for taking measures towards vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and people with some co-morbid health conditions.
Heatwave for high alert districts
On March 11, 2025, the following districts were declared under red alert because of the heatwave severity:
- Kutch
- Morbi
- Gandhinagar
- Surendranagar
- Ahmedabad
- Rajkot
- Porbandar
- Junagadh
- Surat
The coastal regions are expected to remain dry, rather humid with heat. So, the problem is only going to worsen. The IMD has further advised that the continuation of the heatwave will be for the next 2-3 days, making the temperatures feel quite hot out there.
Heatwave Forecast for March 12
Not much respite from the heat can be expected in the days to follow. Orange alerts were issued on March 12, 2025, for four districts:
- Banaskantha
- Rajkot
- Kutch
- Surendranagar
Citizens of these areas should then maintain extra measures to avoid illness owing to heat exposure.
Understanding the Effect of Heat Waves
Heat waves create serious health problems. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures in the vicinity or at home can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other heat-related diseases. The most common heat-related symptoms are dizziness, dehydration, and fatigue, predominantly among people who work and spend long periods outdoors or in the sun.
Thus, children, the elderly, or with chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart conditions are the worst affected. Drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of direct sunlight at sun peak hours (from 10 A.M to 4 P.M), and wearing light breathable clothing are healthy lifestyle recommendations.