Residents of Ahmedabad experienced a notably warmer night on Thursday as the city's minimum temperature climbed significantly above seasonal norms. The mercury dipped to only 17.6 degrees Celsius, marking a clear departure from the cooler conditions of recent days.
Temperature Trends and IMD Forecast
The recorded minimum of 17.6°C was 2.4 degrees above the normal average for this time of year. This reading was also higher than the 16-17°C range that had been observed over the past several days, indicating a steady warming trend. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that this trend will continue, with the minimum temperature potentially reaching around 18°C on Friday.
What's Causing the Warm Nights?
Meteorologists attribute this unseasonable warmth to a shift in wind patterns over the region. The change in wind direction to easterly is the primary driver behind the rising nighttime temperatures. The forecast suggests that there will be no significant change in minimum temperatures during the next seven days, meaning Ahmedabad can expect consistently warmer nights for the coming week.
While nights are getting warmer, the daytime offered a slight contrast. The maximum temperature settled at 29.4°C, which was actually 1.5 degrees below the normal maximum.
How Does Ahmedabad Compare to Other Gujarat Cities?
Ahmedabad's warmth was not mirrored across all of Gujarat. Several other cities recorded much cooler minimum temperatures, highlighting varied weather patterns within the state.
- Naliya was the coldest at 12°C.
- Rajkot recorded 14.3°C.
- Keshod saw a low of 14.4°C.
- Bhuj registered 14.5°C.
The persistent easterly winds and the stable forecast indicate that Ahmedabad's residents should prepare for a stretch of milder nights. This weather pattern, while comfortable for many, represents a significant deviation from the expected winter chill for the region.
