Rajkot: For the second consecutive day, temperatures across Gujarat remained below 40°C, giving some respite from the scorching heat that has been sweeping the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more relief in the coming days. The forecast stated that that there would be a gradual fall by 2-4°C in maximum temperatures during next three days beginning Saturday.Officials attributed the fall in mercury to the possible onset of western disturbance. Rajkot continued to record the highest temperature at 39.8°C, followed by Ahmedabad (39.5°C), Surat (39.3°C), and Vadodara (39.2°C). Amreli (38.9°C), Bhuj (38.4°C), Bhavnagar (38.2°C) and Gandhinagar (38°C) also recorded temperatures slightly below the 40°C mark.The intensity of the heatwave has eased compared to the conditions three days ago when daytime temperatures were soaring 7–10°C above normal, mosty at coastal towns and cities in Saurashtra.IMD data showed that average deviation of maximum temperatures from normal across reporting stations has now reduced to around 3°C above normal.Coastal stations remained relatively cooler, with Dwarka recording 29.4°C, Okha (31.3°C), Veraval (31.1°C) and Diu (34.6°C). Mercury had touched nearly 40 degrees at these places. Meanwhile, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has issued a public health advisory urging people to avoid outdoor travel between noon and 4pm. All traffic signals will also remained switched off between 1pm and 4pm. The measure, part of the Heat Wave Action Plan, is intended to reduce motorists’ exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.With temperatures expected to rise further, authorities said police personnel will manually regulate traffic where required. The advisory suggests people cover their heads with a cap, umbrella or cloth, and wear loose, light-coloured clothing.To prevent dehydration, the civic body recommends drinking water, buttermilk, lemon water and coconut water. Officials have also stressed the need to take extra care of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, young children and those who are ill. Anyone experiencing heatstroke symptoms such as dizziness, heavy-headedness, vomiting or severe fatigue should rest in a shaded area and seek medical advice. Light rain forecastIMD has forecast light rain or thundershowers on March 19 and March 20 at isolated places in the districts of North Gujarat region namely Banaskantha and Patan; at isolated in the South Gujarat districts of Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat and Tapi; a few places in Surendranagar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Morbi, Gir Somnath, Botad, Kutch and in Diu.
