City witnesses temp see-saw as cloud covers sunshine

Indore: The city continued to witness sharp fluctuations in temperature on Monday with the maximum settling at 31.4 degrees Celsius and minimum dropped to 12.6 degrees Celsius.The maximum temperature was recorded one degree above normal, but slightly lower than Sunday's 32.2 degrees Celsius, which marked the season's first crossing of the 32 degrees mark. The minimum temperature also dropped one degree below normal and lower than the previous night, keeping early mornings distinctly cool.Partly cloudy conditions prevailed through the day. Periods of strong sunshine were followed by spells of cloud cover, muting the afternoon heat at intervals. Over the past two days, residents experienced a striking variation of nearly 20 degrees between day and night readings. While afternoons began to feel warm, nights and early mornings continued to carry a winter chill.North-easterly winds were recorded with speeds reaching up to 33 kmph. The rapid rise from 24.6 degrees Celsius recorded two days ago to above 32 degrees Celsius within a short span reflected an increase of nearly eight degrees, underscoring the unsettled pattern, according to the meteorological centre.Officials said a low-pressure area over the south-west and adjoining central Bay of Bengal persisted with an associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. It was expected to move north-eastwards and weaken gradually over the next 24 hours. A trough also extended from north-west Uttar Pradesh to north Gujarat across central Rajasthan, influencing regional weather.Arun Sharma from Bhopal Met centre said isolated thunderstorm and lightning activity might occur in south-western districts such as Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar and Barwani over the next 24 hours. Similar activity was likely in districts including Seoni, Balaghat and Anuppur on Feb 24. From Feb 25 to 27, weather across most parts of the state is expected to remain mainly dry.Residents have been advised to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid sheltering under trees or near electric poles, and switch off electronic appliances as a precaution.