Nip in the air, but rains prove killjoy

It's rather unusual weather by November standards, but the winter effect is finally being felt in Amdavad. A fall in the temperature got Amdavadis scurrying to fetch their woolens on Sunday. Besides, the overcast skies kept people guessing about the possibility of yet another bout of unseasonal rains. However, unlike Wednesday, the skies did not completely open up - leading to a light drizzle instead.

The sky is expected to remain overcast over the next two days, and there are chances of scattered rains. "The skies will remain partly cloudy, and there are chances of a light drizzle and thunderstorm towards the evening and during the night, in some areas of the city," said an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The minimum temperature in the city is expected to be 19ºC. The fall in the temperature is being attributed to the low pressure created over the Arabian Sea. The maximum temperature over the next two days is expected to be around 29ºC.

"This weather is not a good sign for those growing paddy in their fields. If it rains over the next couple of days, the paddy crop will be badly damaged," said Akhil Gohil, who owns a catering business.  

For most others, the drop in temperature was welcome relief, besides being a sign of cooler days ahead. "I use a two-wheeler to reach my office in Gandhinagar. I usually need a sweater only at night, when it gets chilly, but today, I had to use one even at noon! It seems the winter has finally arrived," smiled Ramesh Shah, on his way back from work.