Extremely heavy widespread rain has been recorded over most parts of Gujarat. After remaining almost dry and rain deficit for about 20 days in the month of July, heavy Monsoon showers have finally made an entrance in many pockets in the state.
Many cities in Gujarat have observed 3 digit rainfall. For instance, in the last 24 hours from 8:30 am on Monday, Disa recorded a whopping 400 mm of rainfall while Bhuj received 245 mm rain. Other cities were also not left far behind. While Kandla witnessed 171 mm of rain, Idar and Gandhinagar observed 141.4 mm and 123 mm of rain, respectively.
Bhuj has broken many records due to the recent heavy spell. The city has surpassed the 24-hour rainfall record in the last 10 years. The last time Bhuj received such heavy rainfall was on July 1, 2005 when 107 mm of rain was recorded. Bhuj has also broken the highest monthly 10 year rainfall record for July in the last ten years. In 2010, the rainfall figures for July stood at 294.1 mm. This year, after this heavy spell, the rainfall figures for July have increased to 351 mm.
These heavy rains can be attributed to the low pressure area over Rajasthan which intensified into a depression. For the next 48 hours or so, good rains will be observed over almost all pockets of Gujarat. Areas including Central and North Gujarat, Kutch and Saurashtra will receive good Monsoon showers. Isolated heavy rain may be observed over some pockets of the state.
Before this heavy spell, most parts of Gujarat were mostly dry and the state was in desperate need of good rainfall activity. During the first three weeks of the month, only traces of rain were observed in the state. No rainfall was received in Bhuj till July 21. Also, Ahmedabad was mostly dry during this period. The rainfall deficiency in the region has also improved to a larger extent after the recent rain spell.
Whenever the region receives heavy spell like this, water gets stagnated. The terrain is such that it cannot absorb too much water and it may result in a flood like situation in case of more heavy showers. Residents of the areas with heavy showers have been advised to exercise caution and stay alert at all times.
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