Unseasonal showers continue in Gujarat due to cyclonic low-pressure over Arabian Sea

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in over 30 districts of Gujarat for the next seven days until May 28. An orange alert has been issued in several districts due to the expected heavy rainfall. 

Moreover, the government has instructed the activation of control rooms. Notably, on Thursday, mini-cyclonic activity was observed in several parts of Gujarat. Stormy winds accompanied by rain were reported in Rajkot, Amreli, and Surendranagar districts. In Rajkot city and the Gondal region, strong winds caused many trees and hoardings to collapse. The intense winds also shattered the glass windows of several buildings.

Scattered rain is currently falling in Gujarat. Due to the upper air cyclonic circulation, a rainy atmosphere has developed in the state even before the official onset of the southwest monsoon. 

The weather department has forecast light to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms for the next seven days. In the Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions, winds of 50–70 km/h are expected, along with thunderstorms and heavy rain, prompting the issuance of a yellow alert. 

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed administrative bodies in the alerted districts to remain vigilant.

According to the weather bulletin ‘light to moderate rainfall’ is predicted till May 28 in districts including:

Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Aravalli, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Anand, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Vadodara, Chhotaudepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Dang, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Daman, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Morbi, Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Botad and Diu.

Rain across Gujarat

Until Thursday evening, unbearable humidity plagued Saurashtra. However, the evening brought thunderstorms and rain accompanied by stormy winds resembling a cyclone. 

Though Rajkot, Gondal, Amreli, and Jamjodhpur received only about half to one inch of rain, the inadequate pre-monsoon preparedness was exposed. Many billboards were blown away, trees fell, roads were blocked, and even this moderate rainfall led to waterlogging. 

In Rajkot, two major hoardings collapsed, and over 30 trees and branches fell. The water accumulation was so severe that vehicles couldn't pass, revealing the shortcomings of the administration’s pre-monsoon efforts.

Bharuch district’s Ankleshwar also witnessed thunderstorm and rainfall with high-speed winds on Thursday night.