IMD heatwave alert! Scorching heat grips March, several states on high alert; Full list

March has begun, but rising temperatures have already made life difficult for the majority. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for several states, and it has forecasted sizzling temperatures in the coming days. According to reports from IMD, the interior regions of Saurashtra-Kutch, northern Gujarat, and south Gujarat will experience maximum temperatures between 40-42 degrees Celsius over the next two to three days.

March heatwave intensifies

The scorching heat has set new records, Bhuj reaching a sweltering 42 degrees Celsius, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar reaching 40.4 degrees Celsius. The IMD took cognizance by raising an alarm of a heatwave in Gujarat, sounding an alert that several districts are likely to witness further temperature hikes. There is a red alert in most regions until March 13, since temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius are very rare during this period.

On 11th March, IMD has issued a red alert for Kutch, Morbi, Surendranagar, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Porbandar, and Surat. On 12th March, the heatwave threat remains high for which an orange alert has been issued for Kutch, Banaskantha, Surendranagar, and Rajkot. According to IMD officials, "Since the heatwave is ongoing, we've changed the yellow and orange to orange and red. It's the second consecutive day of the heatwave today and it will continue for the next 3-4 days, so a red alert is required."

IMD issues heatwave alert in several states

The IMD has expanded a warning to Banaskantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Junagadh, Morbi, Amreli, Gir Somnath, and Kutch, predicting severe heat till March 13. Rajkot, Surendranagar, and Bhuj are already witnessing rising temperatures, with the Kutch observing an unusual temperature rise, significantly higher than the normal levels. 

Rising temperatures cast distress

The IMD predicts no respite in temperature in the next three days, though a marginal drop of 2-3 degrees Celsius is possible later. Further, from March 10 to 12, the southern Gujarat area and coastal areas of Saurashtra-Kutch are expected to experience discomfort due to hot and humid air conditions. IMD has also issued prolonged heatwave alerts for Rajasthan and Odisha, indicating the widespread nature of this pre-monsoon temperature rise.