Fading winter: Temperatures rise across Gujarat

Ahmedabad: In what is usually a pleasant February, Gujarat is gradually getting a feel of summer, with nights consistently staying warmer than normal and daytime temperatures also touching thirties.The highest departure from normal in minimum temperature was recorded in the picturesque Union Territory of Diu, where the mercury settled at 19°C, a sharp 6.3°C above normal. Several other stations too reported minimum temperatures 4°C to 6°C above normal, indicating a steady weakening of the typical winter chill.The coastal city of Bhavnagar also witnessed a significant rise in night temperature, recording a minimum of 20.8°C (+6.1°C).Day temperatures remained on the higher side as well, with around 18 towns and cities recording maximum temperatures close to 30°C.Surat emerged as the hottest location in the state at 34.6°C, followed by Dang (33.6°C), Veraval (33.2°C) and Porbandar (32.8°C). Rajkot recorded a maximum of 32.3°C, while Daman logged 32.4°C, reflecting widespread warmth.Even the lush green, forested district of Dang, which is typically cooler, witnessed unusually warm conditions, underlining the fading grip of winter.Among other major stations, Vadodara recorded a minimum of 19.6°C (+5.4°C), while Surat recorded 20.6°C (+4.6°C). Amreli recorded 18°C (+4.9°C), Rajkot 16.4°C (+2.5°C), Bhuj 15.8°C (+3.2°C) and Porbandar 16.3°C (+1.6°C).The IMD bulletin stated that dry northeasterly to easterly winds are prevailing at lower atmospheric levels over the region, keeping skies largely clear and contributing to warmer afternoons and mild nights across Gujarat.