Heat wave grips Gujarat two days ahead of polling

A severe heat wave has gripped Gujarat, and is expected to last till April 30 when the state goes to the polls in a single phase.
Sharp increase in maximum temperatures have been registered in several cities, especially in the northern part of the state.
"Maximum temperatures in Idar and Deesa remained highest in Gujarat on Monday. Other cities too showed significant increase. As per our forecast, the situation would prevail for another 2 days," said Dr Jayanta Sarkar, Director, Meteorological Centre, in a release.
Idar in Sabarkantha district and Deesa in Banaskantha district recorded 44.6 degrees Celsius, highest in the state.

Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar recorded maximum temperatures of 43.2 degrees Celsius, Surendranagar 44, Rajkot 43 and Bhuj 44.4.
"The heatwave may affect the voting, but, it will not have any major effect on people who are determined to vote. To avoid heat, we urge the voters to cast their vote before 11 am, or come after 4 pm," Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi spokesperson.