The cold wave has strengthened across Gujarat, with a sharp drop in temperatures following a change in wind direction to northeasterly. The Meteorological Department has forecast a further fall in temperatures over the next 24 hours.
Due to the impact of a western disturbance, Gujarat is witnessing mixed seasonal conditions. However, weather officials said the cold is likely to intensify further as northeasterly winds continue to prevail. Minimum temperatures of 12°C were recorded in Amreli and Vadodara.
Temperatures across Gujarat
Ahmedabad recorded a minimum temperature of 15.5°C, Deesa 14.8°C, Gandhinagar 15.1°C, Bhuj 14.9°C, Naliya 14.6°C, Kandla 16.4°C, Diu 13.4°C, Surendranagar 16.2°C, Keshod 13.4°C and Mahuva 14.9°C.
Weather outlook for central Gujarat
The cold spell is expected to continue in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. According to the Meteorological Department, minimum temperatures in both cities are likely to hover between 15°C and 16°C in the coming days. This may bring slight relief from the intense chill during early mornings and late nights. Although mid-December typically witnesses severe cold, the current atmospheric system may offer temporary respite. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the possibility of another cold spell after this phase.
Severe cold warning for North India
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cold and severe cold warnings for several northern states. Temperatures have dropped below 10°C in many areas, with cold alerts in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, and severe cold warnings in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Rajasthan is experiencing the harshest conditions, with temperatures below 10°C in 12 districts. Sikar recorded the lowest temperature at 7°C. In Madhya Pradesh, cold conditions have set in across Bhopal, Rajgarh and Indore, with Rajgarh recording 7°C. A cold alert has also been issued for the Surguja region of Chhattisgarh, where Pendra recorded a minimum temperature of 9°C.