Severe heat has begun to affect many parts of India ahead of the traditional summer months, with temperatures soaring above 37°C in several regions, including Gujarat and Delhi.
India is experiencing an unusual spike in temperatures for this time of year, with reports indicating that several states, particularly Gujarat and parts of northwestern India, are facing extreme heat conditions. According to the weather forecasting agency Skymet Weather, many areas have recorded temperatures significantly above average for March, with maximum temperatures expected to remain 3 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than normal.
In Gujarat, the coastal region is particularly affected, with cities such as Surat reporting temperatures exceeding 37°C recently. Additional cities like Rajkot have also seen high temperatures of about 36.8°C. Other regions including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surendranagar are similarly experiencing temperatures above 35°C, contributing to widespread discomfort and health concerns for residents.
This early onset of heat has raised alarms as temperatures began rising notably in late February, eliminating any lingering winter chill. The implications of this heat wave may extend beyond personal discomfort, potentially impacting agriculture, water resources, and public health, as the population adjusts to the extreme conditions so early in the year.
