Relief for Gujarat as temperatures set to fall, pre-monsoon showers forecast

Gujarat is likely to receive relief from the prevailing heatwave conditions over the coming week, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a gradual decline of 3 to 5°C in maximum temperatures and the onset of pre-monsoon rainfall across several parts of the state.

According to the latest bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre in Ahmedabad, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph is expected in various districts over the next seven days.

Despite the forecast improvement, temperatures are expected to remain above 40 °C in several parts of the state during the next three days.

During the past 24 hours, Surendranagar recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 44.7°C. Temperatures remained above normal in parts of north Gujarat and Saurashtra.

In Ahmedabad, the weather department has predicted partly cloudy skies over the next few days, with the maximum temperature likely to remain around 44°C initially before gradually declining.

The weather is expected to remain largely dry across Gujarat, Saurashtra-Kutch and the Union Territories of Diu, Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli until May 30.

From May 30 onwards, pre-monsoon activity is expected to intensify. Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds is likely at isolated places in districts including Banaskantha, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar and Chhota Udepur.

Rainfall activity is expected to become more widespread between May 31 and June 2, covering large parts of north Gujarat, including Kheda, Anand, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, while scattered showers are also forecast in parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra.

By June 2 and June 3, rainfall is likely to extend across much of south Gujarat, including Vadodara, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Dang, Navsari, Valsad and Tapi districts.

The IMD has also issued heavy rainfall warnings for several districts.

Heavy rain is forecast at isolated places in Aravalli, Dahod and Mahisagar districts between May 31 and June 1. Similar warnings have been issued for Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Anand and Panchmahal districts between June 1 and June 3.

Meteorologists have also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds during the forecast period.

The changing weather pattern is being attributed to the advancing southwest monsoon. The IMD said favourable conditions are developing for further advancement of the monsoon over the Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep region and additional parts of the Bay of Bengal during the next two to three days.

Officials said the anticipated rainfall and cloud cover are expected to provide significant relief to residents after several weeks of intense summer heat across Gujarat.