Guwahati, Sept 26: The city reeled under intense heat on Friday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded Guwahati’s maximum temperature at 37.2°C, making it one of the hottest days in recent weeks. The weather has only added to the discomfort of citizens already mourning the loss of Assam’s cultural icon, Zubeen Garg.
The minimum temperature was reported at 24.8°C, while relative humidity stood at 84% in the morning and dropped to 66% by evening, according to IMD data.
Heat in Context
While Guwahati has faced hot spells earlier, notably in July, this was the most significant temperature rise in weeks. The season’s first major heat spike came on April 7, when the mercury touched 37.8°C, signaling the early onset of summer-like conditions in the city.
Rainfall Forecast Offers Relief
Despite the high temperatures, IMD has forecast the possibility of light rainfall in Guwahati, especially on Saturday, Sunday, and September 28. If showers arrive, they could bring much-needed relief to residents as well as to Durga Puja organizers preparing for large public gatherings across the city.
Puja Festivities Amid Heat
The timing of the forecast coincides with the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities, with pandals opening across Guwahati from Maha Shashti (Sept 28). For organizers and devotees, rainfall could be both a blessing for relief from the heat and a challenge for managing crowd movement during the celebrations.
As Guwahati braces for Puja, all eyes remain on the skies, with the hope that the city’s heatwave will soon break into a festive drizzle.
