Gujarat Monsoon Slows Down: 22 Inches in July Drops to Just 3.8 Inches in August
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Data shows the state has registered 26.94 inches of rainfall so far this season—translating to 75.30% of its long-term seasonal average. The deficit comes on the back of a starkly dry August, which yielded a meagre average of 3.80 inches across the state after a massive downpour in July.
It makes the Gujarat's monsoon momentum has ground to a sharp halt this month, leaving the state with its lowest August rainfall tally in five years.
From Deluge to Dry Spell
The stark shift in rainfall patterns has caught farmers and authorities off guard. June opened with a sluggish start, recording just 1.38 inches of rain across Gujarat. Conditions reversed dramatically in July when monsoon clouds saturated the region, dumping 21.75 inches of rain and filling reservoirs.
However, August failed to build on that momentum. The sudden tapering off has pulled overall figures down significantly compared to recent years. By this point last August, Gujarat had secured 31.21 inches of rainfall, touching nearly 90% of its seasonal quota.
Historical figures of rainfall in last five years till August in Gujarat:
- 2021: 14.26 inches
- 2022: 33.82 inches
- 2023: 28.23 inches
- 2024: 38.65 inches
- 2025: 31.21 inches
- 2026: 26.94 inches
Regional Disparities Deepen
The spatial distribution of the rainfall reveals sharp regional imbalances across Gujarat's talukas. While some pockets continue to struggle with drought-like conditions, others have managed to cross their annual quotas.
Three talukas in the state have received less than two inches of rain so far. Another seven talukas recorded between two and five inches, while 14 administrative blocks stand between five and 10 inches.
Conversely, the middle and higher bands account for the bulk of the state. A total of 116 talukas logged between 10 and 20 inches, 91 talukas recorded 20 to 40 inches, and 37 talukas crossed the 40-inch mark.
Agricultural communities across Saurashtra, Kutch, and North Gujarat remain heavily dependent on late-season monsoon spells to sustain standing kharif crops. With August drawing to a close, agrarian sectors are banking on September showers to make up the deficit, recharge ground aquifers, and secure water levels in key reservoirs ahead of the winter sowing season.
