With Indian Meteorological Department having declared February 2023 as the warmest February in 146 years across India, the unstated message was clear. Little wonder then that a heatwave (+5°C above normal) is being warned about in the first half of March. Come this weekend and the weatherman predicts soaring temperatures across Gujarat.
According to IMD director Manorama Mohanty, the temperature is likely to increase by two to three degrees till Monday. Scorching temperatures are forecast for Kutch, Porbandar and Gir Somnath. Dry and arid conditions will prevail till thunderstorms bring respite on March 14.
However, farmers are worried about the damage early rain might bring about for the crops. “Rains will lash Amreli, Rajkot, Dang Tapi Narmada Dahod, Banasakatha, Sabarkantha, Patan and Mehsana. We are also anticipating overcast skies in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar,” he added.
As on Friday, the maximum temperature in Bhuj touched 37.8°C. This is a departure of 4°C from normal. Likewise, the maximum recorded at Naliya was 37.6°C, which is a +5 above normal. The coastline is always a moderate bet. However, this year, coastal areas have already recorded upto 6°C above normal in March.
A look at the maximum temperature readings across Gujarat till March 10:
Okha: 33.2°C
Porbandar: 37.4°C
Veraval: 33.6°C
Dwarka: 33.8°C
Coastal areas: Usually between 27°C to 32°C. However, this year, the readings range between 37°C and 33°C.
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