The state of Gujarat is enjoying the cosiest winter and is yet to slip into the single-digit regime. While the northern plains are reeling under extreme cold, most parts of Gujarat find recluse to enjoy pleasantly warm days and restful nights. As such the state does not get knocks of fog, low clouds and rain during the winter months of December and January.
Kutch is the coldest region of the state, particularly the Rann of Kachchh hosting locations like Lakhpat and Naliya brazing cold winds from across the border and Rajasthan. This is the only segment of Gujarat measuring single-digit minimum temperature. The extreme westernmost point of our country, Naliya has recorded low temperature consistently for the last one week (14-21 December) with the lowest of the season at 2.5°C so far on 18th December. The interiors of Gujarat like Palanpur, Deesa, Banaskantha, Patan, and Mehsana are sitting on the fence to go to single-digit soon. Ahmedabad, Baroda, Rajkot, Amreli, Botad, Surendranagar, Kheda, Dahod, Godhra, and Anand are also waiting in the wings to breach the mark of single-digit. The coastal stations like Jamnagar, Dwarka, Porbandar, Somnath, Okha, and Veraval are recording a minimum temperature of around 20°C and may not reach the single-digit mark anytime soon.
The passage of western disturbance up north and subsequent formation of cyclonic circulation is likely to keep the region secluded from the extreme cold this week. On the contrary, the minimum temperatures may rise by 2-3°C to remain in low teens. The reversal of winds surging from the Arabian Sea may raise the humidity and shield most parts from the wrath of cold as being witnessed in the northern plains.
