Residents of Ahmedabad breathed a small sigh of relief on Wednesday as the city's temperatures showed signs of stabilization after a sharp, two-day cold spell. The unseasonable chill that had gripped the city earlier in the week loosened its hold slightly, offering a temporary break from the shivering conditions.
Mercury Rises But Wind Chill Bites
The maximum temperature settled at 13.8 degrees Celsius, which is approximately 1.5 degrees above the seasonal average for this time of year. However, the comfort was fleeting. Brisk and cold winds continued to sweep across the city, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. This persistent wind draft meant that the 'real-feel' or apparent temperature remained significantly lower than what the thermometers recorded, compelling people to keep their winter wear handy.
IMD Forecast: More Chill Before Weekend Warm-Up
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Thursday will see a similar maximum temperature of around 14°C. Meteorological officials have explained that the current atmospheric conditions are sustaining a steady cold draft over the plains of North Gujarat. The statewide forecast indicates that this consistent chill will persist for three more days.
A change is expected just in time for the weekend. A gradual warming trend is likely to push temperatures up by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, providing a much-needed respite from the biting northerly winds that have characterized the past few days.
Gujarat's Cold Hubs Record Single Digits
While Ahmedabad saw a modest rise, the state's designated 'cold hubs' remained in the deep freeze. On Wednesday, Naliya and Amreli were the only weather stations in Gujarat to plunge into single-digit temperatures. Both locations recorded a piercing low of 9°C, solidifying their status as the epicenters of the current winter wave affecting the region.
The overall pattern suggests a classic Gujarat winter scenario, where interior and coastal areas experience intense cold spells driven by wind patterns, before a gradual return to more seasonable conditions.
