May is the hottest month for Gujarat, with day temperatures recording close to 45°C. Heat wave is also a common feature during this period. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, Gujarat was under the grip of heat wave conditions for the last few days, but now the situation has eased out a little and the heat wave has shifted to Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Telangana.
Looking at the weather models, strong winds from the southwest direction are blowing over most parts of Gujarat and are expected to intensify in next 24 hours. These winds coming from the Arabian Sea are generally cool in nature, which help in pulling down the temperatures.
Due to southwesterly winds, the day temperatures which are above the monthly average will come down to settle at normal levels in next 24 hours. In fact the temperatures have begun showing a declining trend.
For example, Ahmedabad on May 16 had saw the day temperature settle at 44.6°C, while on May 21 the maximum dropped to settle at 43.5°C. In Bhuj, the maximum temperature on May 16 had settled at 43.4°C, while on May 21 it dropped by almost two degrees to record 41.2°C. Rajkot also recorded 43.3°C as the maximum on Thursday which is a marginal drop from 44.4°C, recorded on May 16.
In next two days the southwesterly winds will gain momentum and further impact the temperatures in the region. When the sky is clear and the sun is harsh, even a marginal drop in temperature is a big relief to the people sweltering under intense heat.
Image Credit: indiatvnews.com
