Residents of Ahmedabad experienced a marginal respite from the biting cold on Saturday, as the city's minimum temperature recorded a slight increase. However, the chill continues to linger across Gujarat, with several other towns shivering at single-digit temperatures.
Temperature Trends in Ahmedabad
On Saturday, the minimum temperature in Ahmedabad was recorded at 12.1 degrees Celsius. This marks a small rise from the season's lowest minimum of 11.7°C that the city witnessed just a day earlier, on Friday. The Saturday reading was nearly on par with the normal range, being just 0.2 degrees below the average.
The daytime warmth also remained subdued. The maximum temperature for the day settled at 27°C, which was 0.9 degrees below the normal maximum for this time of the year.
IMD Forecast: A Rollercoaster Ahead
According to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the immediate forecast suggests a steady chill. The minimum temperature in Ahmedabad is likely to hover around 12°C on Sunday, with no significant change expected over the next 24 hours.
However, a shift is on the horizon. The IMD predicts a rise in minimum temperatures by two to three degrees for a couple of days following the stable period. This milder phase will be short-lived, as the forecast indicates a subsequent fall by 2-3 degrees, bringing back the cold conditions.
Gujarat's Cold Spots
The cold wave conditions were not confined to Ahmedabad. Several other parts of Gujarat recorded significantly lower temperatures, dipping into single digits.
Naliya was the coldest recorded spot in the state, with the mercury plunging to a chilly 6.4°C. Other towns that experienced severe cold included:
- Amreli at 8.4°C
- Keshod at 9.3°C
These readings highlight the widespread nature of the winter chill across the region, affecting daily life and routines.
As the IMD forecast suggests fluctuating temperatures, residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather alerts and take necessary precautions against the cold, especially during the early morning and late night hours.
