Gujarat Gripped by Sudden Cold Spell as Temperatures Tumble Across the State
Just when residents of Gujarat had begun to pack away their winter wear, believing the chill was receding, a sharp and unexpected drop in temperatures has forced them to retrieve their woollens from closets. A wave of cold winds originating from the snow-covered northern regions of India has swept across the state, bringing a noticeable winter chill back to the forefront.
Significant Temperature Declines Recorded Across Multiple Regions
On Thursday night, minimum temperatures in many areas were relatively mild, hovering around 17-18°C. However, by Friday night, the scenario changed dramatically as temperatures plunged well below normal levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that minimum temperatures fell between 0.7 degrees and 5.1 degrees below the expected averages for this time of year.
Naliya in the Kutch district emerged as the coldest spot in Gujarat, shivering at a low of 5°C. Deesa followed closely as the second coldest location with a minimum temperature of 8.4 degrees, while Amreli recorded 9.4 degrees.
Notable Drops in Key Cities and Coastal Areas
In Rajkot, the temperature experienced a dramatic fall from 17.9°C on Thursday to just 9.5°C on Friday night, marking a significant 3.4 degrees below normal. Coastal towns of Saurashtra, typically known for their humid and warmer conditions, also witnessed sharp declines in mercury levels.
Dwarka logged its coldest temperature this winter at 12.2°C, which was 4.2 degrees below normal. The daytime maximum temperature here also fell by 4.5 degrees to 21.1°C. Other coastal areas reported similar patterns:
- Jamnagar recorded a minimum of 12.2°C and maximum of 21.8°C
- Porbandar dipped to 10.2°C
- Bhavnagar reached 13.1°C
- Veraval recorded 14.3°C
Meteorological Explanation for the Sudden Chill
According to the India Meteorological Department, this appreciable to marked fall in minimum temperatures across South Gujarat, Saurashtra, North Gujarat and Kutch can be attributed to specific weather patterns. The incursion of cold northerly winds into lower atmospheric levels occurred following the passage of a Western Disturbance, which has now manifested as a cyclonic circulation over Jammu and adjoining Pakistan.
The weakening of the associated trough allowed cold and dry air to sweep southwards over the region, creating the current chilly conditions. The IMD categorizes temperature deviations as follows: below normal when 1.6 to 3 degrees lower than long-period average, appreciably below normal at 3.1 to 5 degrees lower, and markedly below normal when 5.1 to 7 degrees lower than normal.
This sudden return of winter conditions serves as a reminder that seasonal transitions can be unpredictable, with cold spells potentially interrupting what might seem like an early spring. Residents across Gujarat are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold, especially during early morning and late evening hours when temperatures are at their lowest.
