After the withdrawal of Southwest Monsoon from Gujarat, the state has been reeling under extremely hot weather conditions. In the month of October, most places in the state have been recording day temperature beyond the 40°C.
On October 8, Vadodara recorded 40.6°C as the maximum temperature, which is the highest in a decade for the month of October. Earlier, the highest temperature recorded was 40.1°C on October 1, 2009. Also, Vadodara airport observed a maximum of 41.5°C.
In the past 24 hours, Ahmedabad observatory recorded 38.6°C as the maximum temperature, while the Ahmedabad airport sizzled at 41°C. The highest day temperature in the city was observed on October 2, 2009 at 38.6°C, while the second highest was 38.8°C, observed on October 12, 2014.
Coastal areas have also been witnessing hot weather conditions. Surat recorded 37.5°C as the maximum temperature on Thursday, which is the third highest for the month in the last ten years. The highest was 38.4°C on October 21, 2014. Similarly, Disa recorded 40.5°C on Thursday, which is the third highest maximum in a decade, the highest being 41.2°C on October 2 and 3 in 2009.
The state is almost observing heatwave like conditions as most cities have been recording temperatures five degrees above normal. However, there is a drastic change in the minimums. The evenings have become pleasant and after sunset, the temperatures show a sudden dip and settle in the mid-20s. The diurnal variation in the maximum and minimum is around 15 to 17 degrees, which is very large.
Minimums are within the comfort range as the state experiences drier winds and pleasant weather conditions during the evening hours. Afternoons on the other hand are uneasy and extremely hot. These conditions are likely to continue for another two days, thereafter, relief is likely.
Image Credit: globalgujaratnews.in
