The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in several parts of Gujarat over the next 24 hours.
According to the IMD, the current weather activity is being influenced by an upper-air cyclonic circulation over southeast Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat, along with southwesterly to westerly winds prevailing at lower levels. The weather system is also creating favourable conditions for the further advance of the southwest monsoon over parts of western and southern India in the coming days.
The weather department has issued a yellow alert until the morning of June 6, warning of moderate thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 40-50 kmph at isolated locations.
The alert covers several districts in North Gujarat, including Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Aravalli, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Anand, Panchmahal, Dahod, and Mahisagar. In South Gujarat, the warning applies to Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Dang, Tapi, Navsari, and Valsad, along with Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman. Parts of Saurashtra, including Surendranagar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath, and Botad, are also likely to experience thunderstorm activity.
The IMD has indicated that thunderstorm activity is expected to gradually reduce from June 6 onwards. However, light to moderate rain or thundershowers may continue at isolated places over the next week.
Rainfall during the next seven days is mainly expected in parts of South Gujarat, including Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Surat, Dang, Tapi, Navsari, and Valsad, as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman. In the Saurashtra region, isolated rainfall is likely in Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath, and Diu until June 12.
The IMD has not issued any heavy rainfall warning for the state. It also expects no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next week.
Ahmedabad, which recorded the state’s highest temperature of 41.4°C on Thursday, is likely to witness a generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the next 24 hours. The city’s maximum temperature is expected to remain around 40°C.
Authorities have advised residents to stay updated on weather forecasts and exercise caution during thunderstorm activity, as strong winds, reduced visibility, and temporary waterlogging may occur in some areas.