🔥 Ahmedabad Weather Update: Brutal Heatwave Grips Gujarat's Heart – What You Need to Know in 2025
Ahmedabad, the vibrant cultural and economic hub of Gujarat, is currently facing one of the most intense heatwaves in its recent history. As temperatures soar past 45°C (113°F), citizens are grappling with record-breaking heat, disrupted routines, health emergencies, and power shortages. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts across the region as the heat intensifies.
🌡️ Current Temperature Overview – How Hot Is It?
As of May 16, 2025, Ahmedabad recorded a daytime high of 46.4°C, breaking a decade-long record for the month of May. Overnight temperatures haven’t dropped below 31°C, offering little relief for residents even after sunset.
Here’s the recent 5-day weather snapshot:
| Date | Day Temperature | Night Temperature | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 12 | 43.5°C | 30.2°C | Heatwave Alert |
| May 13 | 44.7°C | 30.5°C | Heatwave Alert |
| May 14 | 45.1°C | 31.0°C | Red Alert |
| May 15 | 45.9°C | 31.3°C | Red Alert |
| May 16 | 46.4°C | 31.6°C | Severe |
Source: India Meteorological Department (IMD)
⚠️ What’s Causing This Extreme Heat?
The current heatwave is the result of several atmospheric and environmental factors converging simultaneously:
- Prolonged High-Pressure Zone: A dome of heat is trapping warm air over Gujarat with minimal cloud cover.
- El Niño Influence: Ocean temperature anomalies are driving hotter-than-normal summer patterns in western India.
- Urban Heat Island Effect: Ahmedabad’s rapid urbanization and concrete surfaces are amplifying local temperatures.
- Climate Change: Global warming has intensified the frequency and severity of heatwaves across India over the past decade.
The IMD has warned that temperatures could remain elevated for at least another week, with no immediate signs of relief.
🧑⚕️ Health Impact – Heatstroke Cases on the Rise
The city’s hospitals are overwhelmed. Over the past four days, over 1,200 people have been treated for heat-related conditions including dehydration, fatigue, and heat exhaustion. Unfortunately, five fatalities due to heatstroke have been confirmed.
Common heat-related illnesses include:
- 🌡️ Heat Exhaustion
- 🥵 Heatstroke
- 🧠 Dizziness and headaches
- 🩸 Dehydration-related complications
Vulnerable groups: the elderly, infants, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
🏥 Government and Civic Response
Ahmedabad’s municipal authority has initiated a Heat Action Plan (HAP) that includes:
- Setting up 150+ public hydration stations
- Distributing ORS packets and medical kits to slum clusters
- Opening night shelters with air-cooling facilities
- Shutting down schools between 12 PM – 4 PM
- Restricting outdoor labor during peak hours
Emergency medical camps have also been deployed in areas with high population density.
🧊 How Residents Are Coping
Local residents have shared both creative and traditional coping methods:
- Using khus curtains soaked in water to cool air indoors
- Storing water in earthen pots for natural cooling
- Wearing loose cotton clothes and staying in shaded areas
- Consuming mango panna, buttermilk, and coconut water
Tip: Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks — they dehydrate you faster in high temperatures.
🛰️ Weather Forecast – When Will It End?
According to IMD forecasts, this heatwave is expected to persist till at least May 22. Light winds from the Arabian Sea may bring marginal relief, but a full break from the oppressive heat may only occur after a pre-monsoon shower around the last week of May.
Stay updated by following IMD’s weather portal.
🛡️ 10 Life-Saving Tips to Beat the Heat
- Drink 3–4 liters of water daily, even if not thirsty
- Stay indoors between 11 AM – 5 PM
- Use light-colored, breathable clothing
- Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles
- Take cool showers frequently
- Eat hydrating foods – cucumbers, watermelon, etc.
- Use fans with open windows to improve ventilation
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen when outside
- Check on elderly neighbors and those living alone
📢 Community Alert & Resources
The government has set up a helpline: 1098 for heat emergencies, and the health department has launched a real-time portal tracking temperature and advisory updates.
Click here to access the official municipal weather response page.
📌 FAQs – Ahmedabad Weather 2025
🟤 How hot is it in Ahmedabad right now?
As of May 16, 2025, it’s 46.4°C with a red alert issued by the IMD.
🟤 Is this the hottest day ever recorded in Ahmedabad?
This is the second hottest May day in 15 years. The previous record was 46.7°C in 2010.
🟤 What precautions should I take?
Stay indoors, stay hydrated, and avoid travel during peak heat hours. Use protective clothing and drink plenty of water.
🟤 Will monsoon arrive early?
Pre-monsoon showers may appear by late May, but full monsoon is expected mid-June in Gujarat.
📝 Final Word
The 2025 Ahmedabad heatwave is a stark reminder of the mounting pressure of climate change. As citizens adjust, and the government steps up relief efforts, the broader challenge remains — building resilient cities that can withstand such climate shocks. Until then, hydration, awareness, and community solidarity are our best shields.