Winter is almost over and the day temperature has been rising continuously across the country. There are places that have become unusually hot already. Bhuj in Gujarat saw the day temperature settle at 40.3 degrees Celsius on February 16, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The temperature recorded in Bhuj is the highest for the month of February, the IMD said in a statement on Friday. Temperature records are being maintained for Bhuj since 1952.
The previous highest day temperature for February was 39 degrees Celsius, recorded on February 19, 2017, said Vijin Lal, a scientist with the IMD Ahmedabad meteorological centre, reported news agency PTI.
According to IMD, the maximum temperature in parts of north Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch regions is likely to remain in the range of 38-40 degrees Celsius for the next two days.
IMD attributed the reason behind rise in temperature to delay in north-easterly winds and some other factors.
"This time we are having clear skies and north-easterly wind, and sea breeze in the coastal region is getting delayed," Lal said while speaking about reasons for the increase in temperatures, reported PTI.
Temperatures are going to remain high in pockets of north Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch. However, there is no chance of heat wave in the state, said the IMD in its forecast.
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Skies will remain clear in Ahmedabad with night temperature expected to hover around 16 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature will settle close to 39 degrees Celsius in the city till Saturday, according to the forecasat.
February is the season of transition from winter to summer, days record lower minimum and higher maximum temperatures.