Rajkot: A blistering heatwave swept Gujarat on Saturday, sending temperatures soaring across the state and pushing several cities past the 40°C mark.Surendranagar, the home to Little Rann of Kutch, recorded the highest temperature 44.4°C, followed by Rajkot and Bhuj at 43.3°C, Gandhinagar at 43.2°C, and Amreli at 43.7°C.The searing conditions are keeping the political parties on the edge with mercury projected to rise on Sunday when municipal corporations and other civic bodies go to polls. Candidates, party workers, and election officials have urged people to step out early in the morning to cast their votes. Adequate arrangements of drinking water, ORS sachets, and medical teams and vans have been made across the state in the wake of the heat.Ahmedabad also recorded the season’s highest temperature at 43.8°C, as hot, dry winds turned streets deserted and forced people indoors during the afternoon hours. The heatwave tightened its grip over large parts of the state, with at least 11 cities reeling under scorching conditions.The intense heat has also triggered a seasonal surge in summer-related businesses. Demand for drinking water cans, earthen pots, buttermilk, sugarcane juice and fresh fruit stalls has shot up across cities, while vendors selling watermelons, mangoes, and cooling beverages are reporting brisk sales.Jayesh Vakani, Rajkot municipal health officer, said there has been a spike in the number of acute headache and fainting cases at govt hospitals over the last two days. “People should stay well hydrated and drink about 200 ml of water, ORS, or lemon water every hour. Avoid going out in the sun, excessive sweating, and very cold beverages.”Ashok Kumar Das, head of IMD Gujarat, said temperatures are expected to remain high on Sunday, but the conditions do not qualify as a heatwave. “A heatwave is declared when the temperature is at least 4.5°C above normal or crosses 45°C. That is not the case in the state currently,” he said.The IMD has issued a yellow alert for coastal regions due to hot and humid conditions.
