Porbandar, January 21, 2026 – The coastal charm of Porbandar has been replaced by a persistent chill as the city records temperatures significantly below normal. Earlier this week, on January 15, the mercury dipped to a staggering 8.9°C—nearly 5°C below the seasonal average.2 Even today, temperatures continue to hover around 11°C at night, making it one of the coldest weeks in recent years for the district.3
Impact on the “White City”:
- The Agariya Community: The extreme cold has posed a challenge for salt-pan workers (Agariyas). While dry, cold weather is generally good for salt crystallization, the biting winds at dawn make the physical labor in the open pans significantly harder.
- Morning Rituals: The usual bustling morning scenes at the Chowpatty and around Kirti Mandir have shifted, with residents seen huddling around small bonfires (taapnu) and local tea stalls experiencing a surge in demand for hot kadak chai.
- Agriculture Advisory: In the surrounding rural belts of Ghed and Ranavav, the agriculture department has issued alerts for farmers to protect winter crops like mustard and cumin from potential frost damage, recommending light irrigation to maintain soil temperature.
The Scientific Context:
Meteorologists attribute this “Rare Cold Wave” to strong Western Disturbances currently affecting North India.4 These systems are pulling cold, northerly winds deep into the Saurashtra peninsula. While a slight relief is expected over the next 48 hours, weather models suggest another dip below 10°C might occur between January 24 and 27.5