The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Gujarat over the next five days, with red, orange and yellow alerts issued for more than 15 districts in Saurashtra and South Gujarat.

The warning comes as several parts of the state continue to witness intense rainfall. Between 6 am and 4 pm on July 4, rain was recorded in 105 talukas, with Mahuva in Bhavnagar district receiving the highest rainfall of more than 3 inches within two hours.

Red alert for eight districts on July 5

According to the IMD, a red alert has been issued for Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Surat, Tapi, Dang, Navsari and Valsad districts on July 5, warning of extremely heavy rainfall.

An orange alert has been issued for Junagadh, Rajkot, Bharuch, Vadodara, Narmada and Chhotaudepur, while a yellow alert has been issued for Porbandar, Botad, Anand, Panchmahal and Dahod.

Weather forecast for July 6

On July 6, the IMD has issued:

• Red alert: Surat, Tapi, Dang, Navsari and Valsad.
• Orange alert: Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Bharuch and Narmada.
• Yellow alert: Junagadh, Rajkot, Vadodara, Chhotaudepur, Dahod and Panchmahal.

Rain alerts for July 7

• Red alert: Navsari and Valsad
• Orange alert: Surat, Tapi and Dang
• Yellow alert: Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath, Bharuch and Narmada

Yellow alert on July 8 and 9

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Navsari, Dang, Tapi, Valsad, Amreli and Bhavnagar on July 8 and 9, warning of heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms.

Fishermen advised not to venture into sea

The IMD has also issued a fishermen's warning until July 8, advising fishermen not to venture into the Arabian Sea due to the likelihood of strong winds and rough sea conditions.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a high wave alert, forecasting waves of 3.2 to 3.5 metres along the coasts of Devbhumi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Junagadh and Porbandar, while wave heights of 3.0 to 3.1 metres are expected off the Kutch coast.

Authorities have hoisted Local Cautionary Signal No. III (LC-III) at all ports and issued an orange alert for Gujarat's coastal areas, urging fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea during the warning period.