Gujarat's Winter Retreat: Night and Day Temperatures Soar Across State
In a dramatic shift from the recent chill, Gujarat is witnessing a significant loosening of winter's grip, with both night and daytime temperatures spiking sharply across the state. This unusual warmth has brought relief from the cold but also raised eyebrows about the changing weather patterns as the season progresses.
Ahmedabad Leads the Warmth Surge
Ahmedabad has emerged as a focal point of this temperature anomaly, experiencing the change most distinctly. On Friday night, the city's minimum temperature climbed to a notable 18.6°C, which is a full 5.2°C above the normal range for this time of year. This marks a stark contrast to the brief spell of chill that gripped the region earlier in the week, bringing warmer nights that have left residents adjusting their routines.
Widespread Trends Across Central and South Gujarat
The warmth is not isolated to Ahmedabad alone. Similar trends have been observed across central and south Gujarat, with other major cities reporting elevated night temperatures. Vadodara recorded a low of 18.4°C, which is 4.2°C above normal, while Surat touched 20°C at night. Early risers in many areas were greeted by cloudy skies and humidity levels reaching as high as 80%, adding to the unusual and persistent warmth that has enveloped the region.
Daytime Temperatures Also on the Rise
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), daytime temperatures have surged alongside the night readings. A total of 14 cities and towns across Gujarat reported readings near or above 30°C, highlighting the widespread nature of this warm spell. Rajkot recorded the highest among these at 31.8°C, but the forested hill district of Dang experienced an even more unseasonable high of 32.7°C on January 30. Other notable hot spots included:
- Amreli at 31.5°C
- Deesa at 31.4°C
- Porbandar at 31°C
Meteorological Causes Behind the Warm Spell
The IMD has attributed this significant temperature increase to an upper air cyclonic circulation located over north Gujarat and adjoining regions. This weather system, situated approximately 0.9 km above mean sea level, is responsible for driving the warm air masses across the state, leading to the elevated readings both during the day and at night.
Forecast and Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast a temporary respite from the warmth. A temperature drop of 3°C to 5°C is expected to occur until Monday, offering a brief return to cooler conditions. However, this relief may be short-lived, as the department predicts a gradual rise of 2°C to 3°C in the coming days following the drop. This fluctuating pattern underscores the dynamic nature of Gujarat's weather as winter continues to retreat, leaving residents and authorities to monitor the situation closely for any further anomalies or shifts in the climatic conditions.
