Maximum temperatures have been witnessing vast variations in the plains of India for the last few days. On one hand, plains of Gujarat and Maharashtra have been witnessing maximum temperatures close to mid thirties, while on the other hand, day temperatures in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are settling between 22°C and 16°C.
Above normal day temperatures in plains of Gujarat and Maharashtra
Several places in plains of Gujarat and Maharashtra have been observing above normal temperatures by one to four degrees. On December 10 in Maharashtra, Buldhana recorded 31°C that is four degrees above normal. Similarly, Aurangabad and Parbhani witnessed 31.6°C and 32.6°C , respectively, both three degrees above normal.
In Gujarat, both Deesa and Rajkot recorded 30.4°C and 30.9°C, respectively, which is two degrees above normal. While Bhuj observed 29.8°C -- one degree above normal and Ahmedabad 30°C - just about normal.
According to Skymet, country is presently witnessing anti-cyclonic circulation that is prevailing over parts of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh. This system, which is semi-permanent and oscillating in nature, prevents Gujarat and Maharashtra from cold north westerlies of North India. Thus the region witnesses south easterlies, which are warm in nature and therefore, maximum temperatures are settling on the higher side.
Below normal day temperatures in plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Unlike the plains of western region, the plains of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are recording below normal maximum temperatures by four to eight degrees. The reason behind this drop is the fog, which is prevailing over these two neighbouring states for past several days.
On December 10, the maximum temperature in Gorakhpur city of Uttar Pradesh was recorded at 16.8°C, which is 10 degrees below normal. Similarly, Bahraich witnessed 17.4°C – nine degrees below normal, Sultanpur 19.2°C -- seven degrees below normal and Lucknow 21.8°C -- three degrees below normal.
In Bihar, Bhagalpur recorded day temperature at 18.4°C – nine degrees below normal, Muzaffarpur 18°C -- five degrees below normal and Forbesganj and Chapra recorded 18.6°C and 19.3°C, respectively, both seven degrees below normal.
According to Skymet, the below normal maximums are a result of prolonged foggy conditions. Maximum temperatures fail to rise as fog restricts the solar radiations. As a result fog does not gets dispersed, again creating a conducive atmosphere for fog on the following day.
Future outlook
We can expect a change in the present maximum temperatures, as a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect parts of north and northwest India by December 12 or 13. The system will lead to a change in the wind pattern over the plains of the country.
At present, Gujarat and Maharashtra are witnessing easterlies, which are warm in nature. These winds would be replaced by north westerlies that are cool and dry and as a result, maximum temperature will take a dip.
Meanwhile, north westerly winds, prevailing over Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, will be replaced by south easterlies, which will lead to increase in day temperatures.
