As the festive season of Christmas and New Year approaches, residents of Ahmedabad are experiencing an unusually warm winter spell, defying the typical chill associated with this time of year. The city's minimum temperatures have remained significantly higher than the seasonal average, a phenomenon attributed to specific atmospheric conditions.
Temperature Anomalies Recorded
On Thursday, the city recorded a notable deviation from its normal winter chill. The minimum temperature settled at 16.4°C, which is a substantial 3.4 degrees Celsius higher than the expected norm for this period. The daytime warmth was also above average, with the maximum temperature reaching 29.6°C, marking it 0.8°C higher than usual.
Meteorological Factors Behind the Warmth
According to weather experts, this uncharacteristic warmth is not a random occurrence. The primary drivers are the current wind direction and the influence of a western disturbance. The region is experiencing winds blowing from the northeast to the east, which are contributing to the elevated night-time temperatures. These patterns have effectively trapped the warmth, preventing the typical sharp drop in temperature after sunset.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided a forecast indicating that this trend is likely to persist in the immediate future. The city may see a minimum temperature around 16°C on Friday, with no significant change expected in the minimum temperatures across the larger region.
Statewide Weather Snapshot
While Ahmedabad felt warmer, other parts of Gujarat recorded cooler temperatures. On the same Thursday, Naliya recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 10.3°C. It was followed by other locations:
- Amreli at 11.8°C
- Deesa and Kandla, both at 13.1°C
- Vadodara at 13.4°C
This contrast highlights the localized effect of the wind patterns currently affecting Ahmedabad and its immediate vicinity, setting it apart from the cooler conditions in other districts.
The ongoing weather pattern serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of regional climates, especially during the winter season when factors like wind direction and western disturbances play a crucial role. Residents planning festive outdoor activities can expect milder nights than traditionally anticipated for late December.
