Residents of Rajkot have finally felt the sharp nip of winter after days of unseasonably warm nights in December. The city's mercury took a significant dive over the weekend, marking a pronounced shift in the weather pattern.
Sharp Drop in Night Temperature
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Rajkot's minimum temperature fell sharply from 14.2 degrees Celsius on Friday to a chilly 9.5 degrees Celsius on both Saturday and Sunday. This dramatic drop of nearly 5 degrees has brought a definitive end to the warmer spell the city was experiencing. In contrast, the daytime maximum temperature was recorded at 30.8°C, which was notably 2.7 degrees above the normal average for this time of year.
Fog and Statewide Chill
The changing conditions were not limited to just temperature. Dense fog enveloped Rajkot and its surrounding areas, significantly reducing visibility and affecting early morning routines. The cold wave gripped other parts of Gujarat as well. As per IMD readings, Naliya in the Kutch district remained the coldest spot in the entire state, recording a minimum temperature of 8°C.
Other regions also reported low readings:
- Kandla Airport recorded a minimum of 9.6°C.
- Deesa in the Banaskantha district registered 10.8°C.
Unseasonal Rains Pave the Way for Cold
This noticeable settling of cold air across most cities and towns in Gujarat follows unseasonal rainfall that occurred earlier last week. The precipitation is believed to have contributed to the drop in temperatures and the increase in atmospheric moisture, leading to the foggy conditions. The combined effect of the rain and subsequent cold winds has finally delivered the characteristic winter weather that had been delayed.
The IMD continues to monitor the situation, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions against the cold, especially during early mornings and late nights when the temperatures are at their lowest and fog is most dense.
