The month of February is witnessing March and April like temperature over many parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Maximum temperature of Gujarat is above normal by 5 to 7 degrees whereas many parts of Maharashtra particularly Vidarbha and Marathwada as well as parts of Konkan and Goa are above normal by 4 to 5 degrees. Similarly maximum of coastal parts of Karnataka are also above normal by 3 to 5 degrees.
Reason for this southern spike in temperatures can be attributed to dry and hot winds. An anti-cyclone is persisting over northeast and adjoining North Central Arabian Sea since last 3 to 4 days. Dry and hot winds from southern parts of Balochistan, south Sindh and South Rajasthan are reaching over Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka. Moreover, sea breeze is setting late over Konkan and Goa and coastal Karnataka leading to increase in day temperatures. The temperature will continue in same range for another 24 to 48 hours. Thereafter, the anticyclone will dissipate and temperatures we will drop.
Premature heating of Gujarat and Maharashtra will certainly hamper the quality and yield of crops. Most of the crops are now in seeding stage. Dry and hot weather will impact the quality and output. There may be marginal relief from ongoing hot weather conditions after two days. However, we do not expect the weather to become comfortable which is normal during spring season.
