A cyclonic system currently lingering over Maharashtra is expected to move toward Gujarat within the next two days. In response, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for light to heavy rainfall across several parts of the state. Ahmedabad, along with areas in Saurashtra, Kutch, and South Gujarat, may experience heavy showers and thunderstorms on May 21 and 22. The IMD also forecasts wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph for Ahmedabad city.
Meanwhile, light to moderate thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are expected in parts of North Gujarat, including Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Kheda, Anand, Panchmahal, Dahod, and Mahisagar. Isolated pockets in all districts of South Gujarat — Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Dang, Navsari, Valsad, and Tapi — as well as the Union Territories of Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, are also on alert. The warning covers districts in Saurashtra like Surendranagar, Botad, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Gir Somnath.
On Tuesday, Ahmedabad endured intense heat with temperatures soaring to 41°C and humidity reaching 53%, adding to the discomfort.
Adding a new dimension to the weather, enthusiasts on X (formerly Twitter) have been discussing the early arrival of the Somali Jet — a low-level, cross-equatorial jet stream that plays a key role in the Indian summer monsoon. However, experts advise caution. “There is no official statement from the IMD about the jet yet. We cannot immediately say whether it is very intense, weak, or normal,” said Latha Sridhar, a scientist at the IMD’s Bengaluru Centre.