A crisp winter morning greeted Amdavadis on Thursday as the mercury dropped to 12.8 degrees Celsius, bringing a brief chill that has been rare this season. This marks the second time in 2025 that temperatures have dipped below 13 degrees, though the overall trend of warmer-than-usual winters continues, with average minimum temperatures remaining above normal since November.
Despite Thursday’s cooler-than-usual temperatures, the minimum temperature was still 0.5 degrees higher than the usual levels for this time of year. This follows a week where the city recorded minimum temperatures as high as 15.1 degrees Celsius. The lowest recorded temperature since November was 11.8 degrees Celsius on December 17. However, the general trend indicates a warmer winter, with November’s minimum temperatures averaging 1.8 degrees above normal and December seeing an average rise of 1.4 degrees.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the temperature rollercoaster is set to continue. Winds shifting to easterly and south-easterly directions are expected to push temperatures higher from Friday onwards. The IMD predicts a rise of 2-3 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures over the next two days, followed by a slight dip thereafter. Ahmedabad is expected to see a minimum of 14 degrees Celsius on Friday.
The coldest spot in Gujarat on Thursday was Naliya, with temperatures recorded at 5.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Kandla at 6.5 degrees, Rajkot at 8.3 degrees, Amreli at 8.4 degrees and Vadodara at 9.2 degrees.
In addition to the cool temperatures, the winter chill has resulted in a surge in seasonal ailments. Physicians in the city report a rise in respiratory illnesses such as sore throats, colds, fevers, runny noses and body aches, which are typical signs of viral infections. “Poor air quality in the mornings and evenings exacerbates the issue, with viral infections becoming increasingly common during this time of year,” said a local physician.
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