The state of Gujarat is the hottest part of West India during the transition period between mid-Feb and mid-March. While parts of Rajasthan and adjoining West Madhya Pradesh continue to have a wintry flavour, the state of Gujarat witnessed large fluctuations, especially in the minimum temperatures. Gujarat is swept by winds, continuously switching between the northern plains and the Arabian Sea. The former brings cooler essence and the latter raises humidity and heat as well. Count down of 1st summer start for Gujarat from 2nd half of February. With the sun stepping up closer to the equator during its northward shift, the hinterland of Gujarat prepares for the onslaught of sizzling summer. The peak summer months of April and May literally test the capacity to absorb the blaze of extreme heat.
The entire state as such is a weather free pocket and rarely observe rain, thunderstorm or dust storm from February to May. Weather conditions mostly remained linked with varying wind patterns, subject to the passage of western disturbances. The nearly 1600 km long coastline of Gujarat is vulnerable to arid heat and sultry winds during this period.
The best part of the season seems to be over for Gujarat with mild wintry morning chill and pleasant warmth of Sun. Hot days are staring hard, especially for the interiors of Saurashtra and deep stations of central Gujarat. Presently, a cyclonic circulation is marked over Southeast Rajasthan and the neighbourhood. This feature is restricting the free flow of cooler winds from the northern plains. Also, a trail of western disturbance across the mountains of north India in the next 10 days is going to displace the seasonal anticyclone over Rajasthan. The wind pattern will frequently change between northeasterly and southwesterly. Mercury levels are likely to fluctuate but remain on the higher side of the normal. The day temperature is likely to remain in mid 30’s and possibly breach 35°C in some secluded pockets of Saurashtra and borderline areas of Rajasthan, Southwest Madhya Pradesh and North Madhya Maharashtra. The minimum temperature at many places like Ahmedabad, Baroda, Gandhinagar, Bhuj, Rajkot and Amreli is expected to stay in the mid-teens or higher.
