Heatwave to persist in Gujarat, IMD warns of unseasonal rains from April 19

Gujarat is witnessing fluctuating weather conditions, with soaring temperatures across most regions even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast unseasonal rainfall later this week, raising concerns among farmers.

As per IMD, there is little likelihood of any significant drop in maximum temperatures over the next seven days, with several areas, including Saurashtra and Kutch, expected to record temperatures above 40°C.

Coastal regions are likely to experience particularly uncomfortable conditions due to hot and humid winds until April 18.

Meteorologists said an upper-air circulation over Pakistan and Rajasthan, along with trough systems extending from Uttar Pradesh to Manipur and from Bihar to Tamil Nadu, are influencing current weather patterns.

A weak western disturbance is also expected to become active over the western Himalayan region from the night of April 15, which could impact Gujarat’s weather.

The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thundershowers in parts of the state from April 19. Districts including Amreli, Bhavnagar, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Dahod and Mahisagar are likely to receive scattered showers.

On April 20, similar conditions are expected in parts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat, with Sabarkantha, Aravalli and Mahisagar likely to witness rainfall again.

Officials cautioned that the unseasonal rain could adversely affect summer crops and produce stored in market yards. The changing weather conditions may also increase the risk of seasonal illnesses, they added.