Heavy Rains and Thunderstorms Batter Gujarat, More Expected in Coming Days

After an extended dry spell, Gujarat has witnessed a dramatic return of rain and thunderstorms, signalling the onset of intense pre-monsoon activity across the state. Several districts were hit by moderate to heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds and isolated hailstorms, disrupting daily life but bringing much-needed relief to parched regions.

According to official data, Ahmedabad recorded 19 mm of rainfall, Bhavnagar 23 mm, Surendranagar and Rajkot 16 mm each, Naliya 19 mm, Vadodara 9 mm, and Surat 8 mm. The sudden change in weather patterns is attributed to multiple interacting systems currently affecting the region.

A western disturbance is active over central Pakistan and adjoining areas of Punjab and northwest Rajasthan, while a cyclonic circulation persists over southwest Rajasthan. Additionally, moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea are feeding into Gujarat, intensifying the weather conditions.

In the next 48 hours, moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds, are likely to impact northern and central parts of the state, particularly Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mehsana, Patan, Gandhinagar, Mahisagar, and the Kutch region.

Other districts such as Anand, Vadodara, Panchmahal, Bharuch, Surat, Narmada, and Chhota Udaipur may also experience moderate rainfall with isolated heavy spells. By May 8, the focus is expected to shift toward South Gujarat and Saurashtra, with areas like Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Botad, and Bhavnagar likely to receive continued rainfall activity.

We anticipate these pre-monsoon showers will persist across many parts of Gujarat for at least the next three to four days. While there is a risk of localised flash flooding and damage due to strong winds, the rain is generally considered beneficial, especially for farmers preparing for the upcoming sowing season.