Ashadhi Beej Brings Monsoon Relief to Dry Gujarat; Surat & Kutch Lead the Rain Charts
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Today marks the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Beej, the Kutchi New Year. Following a prolonged and worrying dry spell across the state, the rain gods have finally smiled upon Gujarat, bringing welcome showers on this sacred day.
Persistent monsoon activity triggered variable downpours, registering rainfall in at least 68 talukas between 06:00 and 14:00 hours today.
South Gujarat & Kutch Lead the Downpours
According to the afternoon bulletin compiled by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar, Surat and Kutch districts bore the brunt of today’s precipitation.
- Kamrej taluka in Surat emerged as the wettest location in the state, measuring 46 mm (1.81 inches) of total rainfall.
- Rapar in Kutch district followed closely behind, where intense mid-day rain brought 43 mm (1.69 inches) to celebrate the Kutchi New Year.
Southeastern districts showed sustained monsoon movement. In Surat, Bardoli and Mangrol talukas matched each other with 38 mm (1.50 inches) of rain. High-intensity downpours in short periods also caused significant precipitation in Netrang (Bharuch), which recorded 29 mm, and Areth (Surat) at 24 mm.
This fresh activity continues a wet spell for South Gujarat, which has seen continuous showers following last week's heavy downpours.
Top 10 Rain-Affected Talukas (July 16, 2026)
Recorded between 06:00 and 14:00 Hrs
Rank | District | Taluka | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (inches) |
1 | SURAT | Kamrej | 46 | 1.81 |
2 | KACHCHH | Rapar | 43 | 1.69 |
3 | SURAT | Bardoli | 38 | 1.50 |
4 | SURAT | Mangrol | 38 | 1.50 |
5 | BHARUCH | Netrang | 29 | 1.14 |
6 | SURAT | Areth | 24 | 0.94 |
7 | KACHCHH | Bhachau | 16 | 0.63 |
8 | SURAT | Palsana | 11 | 0.43 |
9 | TAPI | Vyara | 11 | 0.43 |
10 | TAPI | Ukai | 11 | 0.43 |
The Broader Picture: Deficit Persists Across Gujarat
While today's showers have brought smiles and a festive cheer on Ashadhi Beej, agricultural experts and weather officials remain cautious.
Despite the heavy downpours lashing Surat and parts of South Gujarat over the last week, other regions of Gujarat are still facing a severe rainfall deficit. The state had entered July with a significant rain deficit of nearly 50%. While these sporadic regional downpours provide short-term relief to local farmers, a more widespread, consistent system is required to cover the deficit in North Gujarat, Saurashtra, and central districts to fully support Kharif sowing.
