Urban Heat Island Effect Weakens Winter Chill in Gujarat: Cold Days Missing Even in Late December

Gujarat is witnessing an unusual winter pattern this year, with cold conditions failing to intensify even by late December. Despite December 22 passing, the state has not experienced the kind of biting cold that is normally expected during this period. Weather experts attribute this change largely to the Urban Heat Island Effect, along with slow wind speeds, western disturbances, and changing climatic patterns. As a result, many cities across Gujarat are recording higher-than-normal minimum temperatures, reducing the overall intensity of winter.

Winter Without a Strong Chill

Traditionally, December marks the peak of winter in Gujarat, especially in urban centers like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Surat. However, this year, the winter chill has been noticeably weak. According to meteorological data, minimum temperatures in major cities have remained well above the seasonal average. In Ahmedabad, for instance, December’s lowest temperatures over the past several years have dipped close to 6–8 degrees Celsius. This year, however, temperatures have hovered closer to 10–12 degrees Celsius, signaling a warmer winter.

Meteorologists point out that the absence of strong northern winds and delayed impact of western disturbances have played a role. Normally, cold winds from the Himalayas move southward during December, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures across northern and western India. This year, those winds have been either weak or inconsistent, limiting their cooling effect on Gujarat.

Understanding the Urban Heat Island Effect

One of the primary reasons cited for the reduced cold is the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE). This phenomenon occurs when urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural regions. Cities are filled with concrete buildings, asphalt roads, vehicles, and industrial activity, all of which absorb and retain heat during the day and slowly release it at night. As a result, nighttime temperatures do not fall as sharply as they should during winter.

In cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot, rapid urbanization has intensified this effect. The reduction of green spaces, increased construction, and growing population density have collectively contributed to warmer local climates. Even during winter nights, the stored heat prevents temperatures from dropping to traditionally low levels.

Comparative Temperature Trends

Historical weather data highlights this shift clearly. Over the past decade, December’s minimum temperatures in Gujarat have shown a gradual upward trend. Years ago, cities like Rajkot and Ahmedabad frequently recorded minimum temperatures below 8 degrees Celsius. In contrast, recent years have seen fewer such cold nights.

For example, Ahmedabad recorded some of its coldest December temperatures around 6–7 degrees Celsius in earlier years. This year, minimum temperatures have stayed closer to 10 degrees Celsius. Similar trends have been observed in other cities, including Vadodara, Bhavnagar, and Jamnagar. Coastal cities like Surat, which already experience milder winters due to humidity, are seeing even less winter chill.

Role of Wind Speed and Weather Systems

Apart from urbanization, slow wind speeds are also contributing to warmer nights. Winds play a crucial role in dispersing heat. When wind movement is weak, heat remains trapped near the surface, especially in urban environments. This leads to warmer nights and reduced cold intensity.

Additionally, the impact of western disturbances—weather systems that bring cold air and sometimes rain to northern and western India—has been limited so far this season. Without strong western disturbances, the inflow of cold air into Gujarat remains weak, further reducing winter severity.