IMD issues rain alert for Gujarat, monsoon likely to arrive after June 20

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an important weather alert for Gujarat, forecasting a change in weather conditions across the state over the coming days. Thunderstorms, gusty winds and light to moderate rainfall are expected in several districts between June 11 and June 15.

While the southwest monsoon usually makes its official onset over Gujarat around June 15, weather officials have indicated that this year the monsoon is likely to set in after June 20.

According to the forecast, scattered rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in Navsari, Tapi, Valsad, Dang, Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli on June 11 and 12. On June 13, rainfall activity is likely to expand to Surat, Narmada, Chhota Udepur, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar in addition to the southern districts.

Further, on June 14 and 15, districts including Bharuch, Vadodara, Panchmahal, Dahod and Mahisagar are expected to receive rain showers along with strong winds and lightning.

In the Saurashtra region, weather conditions are expected to remain largely dry over the next three days. However, light rainfall is likely in Amreli, Bhavnagar and Gir Somnath between June 12 and June 15, providing much-needed relief from the prevailing heat.

Meanwhile, weather conditions are also set to deteriorate across northwestern India due to an active western disturbance originating from Central Asia. Continuous rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast across the region until June 13.

On June 11 and 12, heavy rain accompanied by hailstorms and winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kmph are likely in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh.

The adverse weather is expected to bring down temperatures in major cities such as Delhi, Jaipur and Lucknow, although humidity levels may rise significantly. Authorities have warned that transportation services could be affected, while hailstorms may cause damage to standing crops and orchards.

Farmers have been advised to take necessary precautions to protect their produce. In view of the forecast, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been kept on alert to respond to any weather-related emergencies.