Thunderstorm Likely in parts of Gujarat this week, temperatures to dip slightly

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mostly dry weather across Gujarat over the next few days, however, with a slight drop in temperatures and chances of thunderstorms in some districts later this week. 

According to the IMD’s latest weather bulletin issued on March 16, the state experienced dry weather during the past 24 hours, with no major change in maximum temperatures. The highest maximum temperature in the region was recorded at 39.2°C in Rajkot, while the lowest minimum temperature was 16.4°C in Naliya. 

The department said maximum temperatures across Gujarat are likely to fall gradually by about 2–3°C over the next four days, while minimum temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged during the coming week. 

Dry weather is likely to continue across most districts on March 16 and 17. However, from March 18 onward, light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur at isolated places in parts of North Gujarat, including Banaskantha, Patan and Sabarkantha as well as in some districts of Saurashtra-Kutch such as Jamnagar, Morbi, Dwarka and Kutch. 

On March 19, rain and thundershowers are expected to expand to several districts of South Gujarat and parts of Saurashtra-Kutch, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph at isolated locations. 

For Ahmedabad and surrounding areas, IMD has forecast mainly clear skies with the maximum temperature likely to reach around 39°C and the minimum about 22°C in the next 24 hours. 

The weather office has advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorm activity and avoid taking shelter under trees or near electrical objects during lightning.