State feels the heat

While the maximum temperatures in some parts of the state have already touched the 40-degree Celsius mark,heat wave is expected to sweep parts of Saurashtra and Kutch in the next 24 hours,according to the meteorological department.

Rajkot,Porbandar and Valsad recorded the highest temperature of 40 degrees Celsius on Friday,which is 6 to 8 degrees above normal. Even places like Naliya,which records relatively low temperatures,the maximum temperature reached 38.5 degrees Celsius,seven degrees above normal. Similar condition prevailed in south Gujarat.

In Ahmedabad,the maximum temperature was recorded at 38 degrees Celsius,3 notches above normal.

“The temperatures across the state are higher than normal. Seeing the weather conditions and the heat wave warning,we have advised people to stay indoors and take precautions against the sun,” said Jayanta Sarkar,director,meteorological department,Ahmedabad.

Temperatures are expected to come down around March 12. “Signals are indicating towards a western disturbance around March 12. This is expected to lower the temperatures,” Sarkar said.