Gujarat Experiences Unseasonal Warmth as Night Temperatures Soar
In a notable weather shift, night temperatures across Gujarat have risen significantly, signaling a gradual easing of winter conditions under the influence of a western disturbance, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This phenomenon has led to unusually warm nights in major cities, with temperatures climbing well above seasonal averages.
Record Highs in Key Urban Centers
On Thursday night, Ahmedabad recorded a minimum temperature of 17.8°C, which was 5.3°C higher than normal, marking one of the warmest nights this January in the city. Similarly, Rajkot witnessed an unusually warm night, with the mercury settling at 17.9°C, around 5°C above the seasonal average. These cities experienced their warmest nights in January, typically the coldest winter month.
Other major urban areas also reported elevated night temperatures:
- Vadodara recorded a minimum of 17.8°C, 4.4°C above normal.
- Surat remained on the warmer side at 18.4°C, about 3.1°C above normal.
- State capital Gandhinagar logged 15°C, 2.2°C above normal.
- Amreli recorded 14.8°C, nearly 3°C above average.
Weather Systems Driving the Change
The IMD bulletin indicates that a western disturbance—a weather system that typically brings clouds, wind, and sometimes rain to north India—has merged with a strong low-pressure area over north Pakistan. This combined system is pulling relatively warm and moist air from the Arabian Sea towards western India, while cold winds from the north have weakened, contributing to the rise in temperatures.
Regional Variations Across Gujarat
In coastal Saurashtra, temperatures were notably higher than typical mid-January levels:
- Bhavnagar recorded 16.4°C.
- Porbandar logged 16.2°C.
- Veraval saw 18.2°C.
- Jamnagar reported 17.2°C.
In north Gujarat, Deesa recorded a minimum of 14.5°C, over 4°C above normal, while Naliya, usually among the coldest places in the state, settled at 12°C, around 1.7°C above average.
Day Temperatures Remain Stable
In contrast to the night-time surge, day temperatures across most districts remained near normal to slightly above normal, ranging between 27°C and 32°C. Surat recorded the highest maximum at 32.4°C, followed by Vadodara at 31.8°C and Ahmedabad at 30.8°C.
This weather pattern highlights the dynamic impact of western disturbances on regional climates, offering a respite from the usual winter chill in Gujarat.
