Surat, Gujarat—Early Friday morning, residents of central Gujarat faced an unexpected weather shift as unseasonal rains hit multiple districts, including Surat, Ankleshwar, Vadodara, Dahod, and Chhota Udepur. The rainstorm brought along thunder and lightning.
With wedding season in full swing, the sudden downpour soaked many outdoor pavilions. Families and event organizers were left scrambling to protect their setups. In Surat, a Book Fair organized by the Municipal Corporation was also affected; rainwater breached the venue where a special dome awaited inauguration by the Chief Minister on February 22. To prevent further damage, authorities quickly dispatched trucks loaded with tarpaulins.
The rainfall resulted in minor waterlogging on crucial roads across Surat and low-lying areas. Commuters experienced significant disruptions as traffic snarled due to these conditions.
Meanwhile, regions like Ankleshwar and Hansot saw sudden weather changes with rainfall reported in villages such as Ilav and Sunev. Vadodara district experienced similar showers in Waghodia and Shinor talukas, affecting villages like Avakhal and Malpur. Dahod district wasn’t spared either; rainfall was noted in Limkheda and surrounding villages.
Dense fog also settled over National Highway 48 in Valsad district, reducing visibility significantly enough that drivers were forced to turn on headlights during daylight hours.
Farmers now face new worries due to this untimely precipitation. In Valsad district specifically, mango orchards—especially those with blooming trees—are at risk of blossom drop amid persistent moisture conditions that could invite pests.
According to the Meteorological Department’s latest bulletin, a Western Disturbance remains active over north Rajasthan while a trough stretches from north Gujarat to south Haryana. This unusual weather pattern is expected to continue impacting local conditions for some time.