Residents of Ahmedabad experienced a notably warmer night on Friday, as the city's minimum temperature settled significantly above the usual seasonal mark. The mercury dipped to only 17.1 degrees Celsius, a reading that has caught the attention of locals and meteorologists alike.
IMD Forecast Points to Persistent Warm Nights
According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Friday's minimum temperature was 1.9 degrees higher than the seasonal normal for this time of year. This follows closely on the heels of Thursday's reading of 17.6°C, indicating a consistent pattern. The IMD's forecast suggests this trend is not a one-off event. The weather bureau predicts that the minimum temperature is likely to hover around 17°C again on Saturday, offering little respite from the unseasonal warmth during the night.
Daytime Provides Slight Respite
In contrast to the warm nights, the daytime on Friday provided a slightly cooler feel. The maximum temperature in Ahmedabad was recorded at 28.8°C, which is 2.1 degrees lower than the normal maximum for the city. This dip in the day's peak heat offered some balance to the unusually high nighttime lows.
State-Wide Weather Pattern and Cold Pockets
The IMD's forecast for the entire state of Gujarat indicates that no major change in minimum temperatures is expected over the next few days. This weather behavior is attributed to easterly winds prevailing at the lower levels of the atmosphere over the region, which are influencing the thermal pattern.
While Ahmedabad remains on the warmer side, several other locations in Gujarat recorded much chillier temperatures, forming the state's cold pockets. The lowest minimum temperature in Gujarat was registered in Naliya at 11.6°C. Other notable chilly spots included:
- Kandla: 13.6°C
- Rajkot: 14.2°C
- Vadodara: 14.4°C
- Bhuj: 14.6°C
This disparity highlights the varied microclimates within the state, with coastal and western regions experiencing cooler nights compared to the urban center of Ahmedabad.
