Ahmedabad experienced a dramatic temperature plunge over the weekend, with the minimum temperature dropping by 5.3 degrees Celsius within a mere 24-hour period. From a relatively mild 17.8°C recorded on Friday, the mercury dipped to a chilly 12.5°C on Saturday. This significant drop brought the minimum temperature back to normal levels after it had been 5.3°C higher than usual just a day earlier, a shift attributed directly to the influence of a Western Disturbance.
Citizens Bundle Up as Cold Winds Sweep Through
The abrupt change in weather prompted residents to layer up with warm clothing throughout the day, as icy winds swept across the city. Local physicians have issued warnings about a potential increase in viral infections and allergy-related illnesses, citing the rapid fluctuations in temperature over a short span as a key risk factor for public health.
Maximum Temperature Also Below Normal
The daytime maximum temperature was not spared from the cold spell either, registering at 24.4°C, which is 3.6°C lower than the normal range for this time of year. This dual dip in both minimum and maximum temperatures underscores the intensity of the current weather pattern affecting the region.
IMD Forecast: Cold Spell to Persist
According to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Ahmedabad was expected to hover around 12°C on Sunday, indicating a continuation of the colder conditions. Met department officials explained that the Western Disturbance has led to cold winds originating from the north sweeping through Gujarat, driving down temperatures across the state.
Statewide Temperature Trends and Predictions
For Gujarat as a whole, the IMD has projected a gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 3-5°C over the next three days, followed by another drop of 3-5°C in the subsequent 24 hours. This pattern suggests that the colder weather is likely to persist until the end of January, affecting not just Ahmedabad but the entire state.
It is noteworthy that, for the second year in a row, Gujarat did not record any cold wave conditions in November and December. So far this winter season, the state has witnessed only one cold day in January, highlighting the unusual nature of the current temperature fluctuations.
Coldest Spots in Gujarat
Across the state, several locations recorded notably low temperatures. Naliya in the Kutch region shivered at a minimum of 5°C, making it the coldest place in Gujarat. Deesa followed closely as the second coldest at 8.4°C, with Amreli not far behind at 9.4°C.
Sharp Drops in Other Cities
In Rajkot, the temperature fell sharply from 17.9°C on Thursday to 9.5°C on Friday night, marking a drop of 3.4°C below normal. Coastal areas of Saurashtra, typically known for their humid and warmer climates, also experienced significant cooling. Dwarka, for instance, logged its coldest minimum of the winter at 12.2°C, which was 4.2°C below normal, while its daytime temperature fell by 4.5°C to 21.1°C.
This widespread cooling across Gujarat underscores the impact of the Western Disturbance, with residents advised to take precautions against the cold and potential health issues arising from the sudden temperature changes.
