Ahmedabad: On Monday, the city felt less like a monsoon haven and more like a slow cooker, as the mercury spiked to a punishing 38.4°C, 4.4 degrees higher than what residents usually expect this time of year. Even the nights offered little comfort, refusing to dip below a sticky 27.8°C, 1.5 degrees higher than normal.For Amdavadis, the real culprit was not just the heat, but the heavy air. The day began drenched in 71% humidity, trapping the city in a dense, breathless blanket before dropping to a drier 40% by evening. While India Meteorological Department (IMD) promises partly cloudy skies for Tuesday, the clouds feel more like a tease than a promise of relief.Beyond the city limits, a quieter crisis is unfolding across Gujarat.Out of the state’s 33 districts, a meagre 13 have seen normal or above-average rainfall this season. The rest are parched. The numbers coming out of the coastal and arid regions are particularly stark: Devbhoomi Dwarka is staring down a staggering 97% rainfall deficit, while Kutch is not far behind with an 88% shortfall.On Monday, not a single raindrop fell across the entire state. With Gujarat having received just a quarter of its seasonal rainfall quota so far, the skies show no immediate intention of making up for lost time. Over the next few days, the IMD predicts the dry spell will hold, offering only a scattering of light to moderate showers to parts of South Gujarat and Saurashtra.For now, Gujarat can only sweat, watch the clouds roll past, and wait.
