Ahmedabad, Apr 30 — Ahmedabad city is reeling under an intense heat wave this week with the mercury rising to a challenging lives as temperature nearly touching the season’s high of 43 degree Celsius.

The latest data from the Met Office registered a reading of 34°C (94°F) in London this morning, under clear sunny skies, but as temperatures are predicted to rise steeply through the early afternoon. There looks to be little sign of respite over the coming days, with peak temperatures expected to stay between 41C and 43C throughout the weekend.

A Week of Relentless Heat

Highs both Thursday and Friday are expected to reach 42°C while Saturday is predicted the hottest day of the week reaching a punishing 43°C. On Sunday, temperatures will ease slightly returning to 41 °C with a peak of just under that amount on Monday, but Sunday and Monday’s numbers remain well above comfort levels

Forecasts indicate that there will be no rain nor cloud cover during the duration of the forecast, which suggests brutal heat without any natural air conditioning. There are low levels of humidity, but the intensity of sun rays alone can cause serious health problems especially amongst people in their old age, children and outdoor working class.

Health Advisory Issued

The civic authority and health department are also appealing to the residents of Ahmedabad regarding taking necessary precautions during the peak hours– 12 PM to 4 PM of day. It has also suggested that residents stay indoors, drink plenty of water and wear cotton clothes and avoid heavy outdoor exercises.

Such people who can not avoid outdoor exposure, such as street vendors and construction workers, are more at risk and they should be advised to stay in the shade often.

Looking Ahead

Ahmedabad is under no rainfall alert in the immediate future, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The Monsoon reaches Gujarat usually by mid-June, which means that it will have to bear the brunt of scorching summer heat for a few more weeks.