Gujarat is set to experience a major weather change this weekend, bringing much-needed relief from the intense heat. However, it has left farmers concerned. A rare western disturbance—usually seen in winter—is expected to bring strong winds, thunder, lightning, and rain starting Saturday.
By Sunday, conditions will ramp up considerably.
This weather anomaly stands out during peak summer months. Weather experts say Gujaratis will experience a monsoon-like feel for several days.
The disturbance currently affecting northern parts including Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir has created an upper air circulation over southwest Rajasthan. This system will gather strength between May 5-9 , hitting large areas of Kutch and Saurashtra.
Winds up to 60 km/h expected
During this period, strong winds between 40 and 60 km/h will blow across the state. Heavy downpours, thunder and lightning are on the cards. Some areas might see 4-6 inches of rainfall in short bursts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports this system will pull moisture from the Arabian Sea. From Sunday onwards, stormy conditions will likely hit Kutch, Saurashtra and North Gujarat. Overcast skies will appear in Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Kutch on Saturday. Temperatures will gradually drop.
Rain alert in 12 districts
Rain and thunderstorms will probably strike multiple districts starting Sunday. These include Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Patan, Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Aravalli, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Vadodara and Chhota Udepur. Kutch, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar will see similar patterns. Monday looks set to bring even rougher weather.
Weather experts warn that hailstorms might hit some areas. This could devastate mango crops, particularly in Junagadh. After nearly two months of relentless heat, many will welcome this weather break. However, pre-monsoon conditions are expected to return by late May once this system passes.
Gandhinagar hottest in Gujarat at 43.5°C
Despite a slight dip in temperatures in some parts, Gujarat continues to face intense heat. On Friday, Gandhinagar recorded the highest temperature at 43.5°C, followed by Ahmedabad at 43.4°C and Rajkot at 43.1°C. Bhavnagar also remained hot at 41.6°C.
Interestingly, Deesa and Bhuj were relatively cooler, with temperatures at 40.2°C and 40°C respectively. Deesa even recorded a degree below its normal average. Ahmedabad had the hottest night in the state, with the minimum temperature at 27.6°C.