Gondia coldest in Maharashtra at 12.4 degrees C; minimum temperatures to fall 2-3 degrees more

Winter is slowly beginning to make itself felt in Maharashtra, with minimum temperatures falling in several districts. On Wednesday, the mercury dropped in parts of Central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Konkan and Marathwada.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the state's minimum temperature could fall by a further 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next three days, making mornings and nights feel colder.

Many areas still have warm and humid conditions during the day, but mornings and nights are gradually turning cooler. Snowfall has occurred in the hill regions of North India, and cold winds from there are reaching Maharashtra via Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. This is pulling down minimum temperatures in different parts of the state.

The chill is more pronounced in Vidarbha. Gondia was the coldest place in the state on Wednesday, with a minimum temperature of 12.4 degrees Celsius, 4.7 degrees below normal.

Among other cities in Vidarbha, Nagpur recorded a minimum of 14.6 degrees, Yavatmal 15.8 degrees, Wardha 15.6 degrees, Washim 16.4 degrees and Amravati 16.3 degrees Celsius.

The mercury also fell in several cities of Central Maharashtra. Jalgaon recorded 15 degrees, Jeur 14 degrees, Kolhapur 18 degrees, Malegaon 14.6 degrees and Nashik 14.2 degrees Celsius. Sangli recorded a minimum of 16.2 degrees, Satara 14.6 degrees and Solapur 17.1 degrees Celsius.

According to the department's forecast, minimum temperatures could fall a further 2 to 3 degrees over the next three days. People who leave home early in the morning or travel at night should be prepared for the light cold. The chill is likely to increase in many parts of the state in the coming days.