Gujarat braces for weather shift as IMD predicts rain after a cold wave

As the intensity of the cold wave gradually weakens across Gujarat, the weather pattern is set to shift, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting light unseasonal rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several districts of north and central Gujarat on Monday.

According to IMD, scattered thunderstorm activity is likely to affect Aravalli, Mahisagar, Dahod, Kheda, Panchmahal, Vadodara, Anand, and Bharuch districts. Cloudy skies and sudden weather changes have already been reported from parts of the region, raising concerns among the farming community.

In Panchmahal’s Shehera taluka, particularly the Morwa-Rena region and Santrampur region in Mahisagar district, farmers are worried about the possible impact of unseasonal rainfall on standing and harvested crops. With winter crops nearing maturity in several areas, even light showers could pose a risk of damage.

The Agriculture Department has issued an advisory, urging farmers to take preventive measures. Farmers who have already harvested crops and left produce in open fields have been advised to shift them to secure locations immediately. Where relocation is not feasible, covering crops with plastic sheets or tarpaulins has been recommended.

The advisory also cautions farmers against the use of fertilisers and pesticides during cloudy or rainy conditions, as this may reduce effectiveness and harm crops.