Gujarat: Ahmedabad identifies 45 heat hotspots amid heatwave conditions
Ahmedabad, May 8
Ahmedabad is likely to experience severe heat conditions over the next week, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius, while 45 heat hotspots have been identified across the city.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Orange and Yellow alerts for the city from Friday till May 14.
According to the IMD's Ahmedabad centre, Yellow alerts have been issued from May 8 (Friday) to May 11 (Monday) and again till the morning of May 14, while Orange alerts warning of heatwave conditions remain in force till the mornings of May 11 and May 13.
The weather department has forecast maximum temperatures between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius during the seven-day period, with minimum temperatures likely to remain between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius.
In response to the rising temperatures, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has identified 45 heat hotspots across the city for the next three days.
The hotspots were mapped based on temperature forecasts prepared by the IMD for 17 wards spread across six zones of the city and projected maximum temperatures in different localities.
Civic authorities said residents will be able to access information on identified hotspots as well as area-wise maximum temperatures through a QR code-based system introduced as part of the city's heat response measures.
The information will include expected temperatures between 12 noon and 5 p.m., considered the most intense heat period of the day.
The AMC has appealed to residents to take precautions against extreme heat and dehydration.
Citizens have been advised to carry water bottles while travelling outdoors and drink fluids such as water, lemon juice, buttermilk and coconut water regularly.
The advisory also recommends eating fresh fruits and vegetables while avoiding spicy food, stale food, excessive protein intake, tea, coffee and aerated drinks.
Residents have also been advised to avoid stepping outdoors between 12 noon and 4 p.m. as far as possible, wear loose light-coloured cotton clothing, and use umbrellas, caps or scarves while travelling in the sun.
The civic body further advised people engaged in outdoor work to take frequent breaks and rest periodically in cool places.
The AMC urged citizens to pay special attention to children, elderly persons and pregnant women, who are considered particularly vulnerable during prolonged heat exposure.
The civic body listed symptoms of heatstroke and heat-related illness, including excessive sweating, weakness, headaches, dizziness, red and dry skin, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting.
Residents experiencing such symptoms have been advised to seek immediate medical assistance, while emergency cases have been directed to contact the 108 ambulance service.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, authorities are taking heatwaves seriously. The advisory to drink buttermilk and coconut water is spot on - that's what our grandmothers always told us! But I wish they'd also focus on planting more trees in these hotspots. Concrete jungle is making it worse. 🌳
It's good that they've identified 45 hotspots, but what's the point if we don't see concrete action? The real test is whether hospitals near these areas are prepared. I had to take my mother to a hospital last summer during a heatwave and the emergency services were overwhelmed. Hope they've learned from that.
As someone who works outdoors, I appreciate the advice to take frequent breaks. But many daily wage workers can't afford to stop working between 12-4 pm. The government should provide free drinking water and shaded rest areas at construction sites and markets. That would actually help. 🚰
This is a sensible response from the AMC. Using QR codes to share localized temperature data is actually innovative for an Indian municipal corporation. My only concern: Not everyone has a smartphone. They should also put up physical boards in these hotspots with the same info. 📱
The symptoms list is very helpful. Many people, especially elderly, ignore dizziness and headaches thinking it's just normal summer fatigue. My father had a mild heatstroke last year and we barely recognized it in time. Awareness campaigns in local languages on TV and radio would save lives. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.