Cloudy skies and strong winds on Sunday morning brought much-needed relief to the city, which had been reeling under temperatures around 43°C to 44°C.
However, the relief was short-lived for several parts of the state. Districts like Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, and Mehsana were hit by hailstorms later in the night. Officials reported that the unseasonal rain damaged standing crops and produce stored in the open, particularly in these areas.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), more rain, accompanied with moderate to severe thunderstorms and lightning, is expected across the state over the next five days.
The sudden shift in weather is attributed to multiple weather systems developing around Gujarat. A cyclonic circulation is currently active over the northeast Arabian Sea near the Gujarat coast. Additionally, a trough line extends from south Uttar Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, passing through central India. Another cyclonic circulation persists over Marathwada. These combined systems are drawing in moisture and creating atmospheric instability, leading to increased thunderstorm activity.
Farmer killed by lightning
A farmer in Viramgam tragically lost his life after being struck by lightning during sudden unseasonal rain on Sunday. The weather in the area shifted quickly, bringing heavy rain and lightning. The victim, Manga Thakor from Bhojiapura village, was in his field trying to cover his crops with a tarpaulin sheet when the lightning struck.