Gujarat is expected to receive normal to moderate rainfall from August 17 to 23, according to the Meteorological Department. Five weather systems, including the monsoon trough, shear zone, upper-air cyclonic circulation and depression, are currently influencing the state.
Under their influence, moderate rainfall is likely in several parts of Saurashtra and Kutch, while some districts of South Gujarat have been placed under a yellow alert due to the possibility of heavy rain.
Yellow alert for South Gujarat
According to Meteorological Department official A.K. Das, isolated parts of South Gujarat may experience heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms. A yellow alert has been issued for Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Dang, Tapi, Narmada, Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
These areas may also experience lightning and gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph. Ahmedabad is likely to remain cloudy, with one or two spells of rain and thunderstorms expected.
Fishermen advised against venturing into sea
The weather department has warned of strong winds along the North and South Gujarat coasts on August 17, 18 and 19. Wind speeds may reach 45 to 65 kmph, while sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough.
Fishermen have therefore been advised not to venture into the sea during this period.
Rainfall near normal so far
Gujarat has received an average of 508.09 mm of rainfall so far, compared with the normal rainfall of 512.7 mm.
Meanwhile, a well-marked low-pressure area that formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal adjoining West Bengal and Bangladesh has intensified into a depression. The monsoon trough is passing through the centre of the depression and extending via Ferozepur, Muzaffarnagar and Patna.
A shear zone is active around 22 degrees north, while an upper-air cyclonic circulation has formed over central Rajasthan and western Madhya Pradesh. These systems are expected to influence rainfall activity across Gujarat over the coming days.