Rain Alert For Gujarat: Light Showers Expected Across Saurashtra And North Gujarat Districts On March 18–19
Ahmedabad: As summer sets in across Gujarat and mercury levels continue to climb, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast unseasonal rainfall in several parts of the state over the coming week. While the showers may bring temporary relief from the heat for the general public, they have raised serious concerns among farmers currently in the middle of the rabi crop harvesting season.
Which Districts Are on Alert and When?
According to the IMD, a weather shift is expected on March 18 and 19. On March 18, light unseasonal rain is likely in Kutch, Banaskantha, and Patan districts. The following day, March 19, the rainfall zone is expected to widen significantly covering Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, Surendranagar, and Morbi, along with Rajkot, Botad, Bhavnagar, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, and Tapi.
Temperatures to Drop by Up to 4°C
The IMD has also forecast a decline in maximum temperatures by 2°C to 4°C over the next three days. Beyond that period, no significant change in temperature is anticipated. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain stable. Coastal areas of Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch will continue to experience warm and humid conditions.
Farmers on High Alert During Harvest Season
With the rabi crop harvesting season currently underway, the unseasonal rain forecast has left farmers anxious. There are fears that crops left in the open could get damaged or soaked, causing significant agricultural losses. The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to move their harvested produce to safe, covered locations as a precautionary measure.