Ahmedabad: Unseasonal rainfall has continued across Gujarat for several days, with reports indicating that 55 talukas experienced unexpected showers in the past 24 hours. Of these, 51 talukas recorded less than 1 inch of rain. Rajkot taluka received the highest rainfall at 2.60 inches, followed by Amreli’s Vadiya with 1.89 inches, Surat’s Mangrol with 1.38 inches, Anand’s Tarapur with 1.02 inches, and Jamnagar’s Jamjodhpur with 1 inch. Additionally, Morva Hadaf in Panchmahal, Hansot, Vagra, Gondal, Zagadia, Ranavav, and Bhesan recorded approximately three-quarters of an inch of rain.
This rainy weather, occurring before the arrival of the southwest monsoon, is attributed to an upper air cyclonic circulation. The Meteorological Department has forecast light to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms for the next six days. The Chief Minister has instructed district administrations in alert zones to remain vigilant. Fishermen have also been advised not to venture into the sea.
Cyclonic Circulation in Northeast Arabian Sea
Unseasonal rainfall persists across the country. In addition to the potential cyclone system in the Arabian Sea, a Western Disturbance is active. Cyclonic circulations are also present over Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, the Bay of Bengal, and near the South Gujarat coast in the northeast Arabian Sea.
Heavy Rain Forecast
According to the Meteorological Department’s forecast, over 12 districts in Saurashtra and South Gujarat are expected to experience heavy rainfall with thunderstorms until May 28. A yellow alert has been issued for scattered places in Rajkot, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath, Bharuch, Surat, Tapi, Narmada, Navsari, Dang, and Valsad districts from Friday, May 23, to May 25, due to anticipated heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Forecast for May 26
On May 26, rainfall is predicted for 15 districts across the state. A yellow alert has been declared for Rajkot, Porbandar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath, Anand, Bharuch, Surat, Tapi, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Navsari, Dang, and Valsad districts due to expected heavy rainfall with thunderstorms. Furthermore, strong winds gusting at 50-70 km/h with thunder are forecast across Gujarat.
Forecast for May 27-28
The Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and has issued a yellow alert for scattered locations in Devbhoomi Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Narmada, Surat, Tapi, Dang, Navsari, and Valsad on May 27. Similarly, on May 28, the same alert applies to Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Navsari, Dang, Tapi, and Valsad districts.
Chief Minister Directs Control Room Setup
In response to the heavy rain forecast, the Chief Minister has ordered the activation of control rooms. Administrative bodies in the districts of Saurashtra and South Gujarat have been instructed to remain alert and prepared. CM Bhupendra Patel specifically directed the establishment of 24×7 control rooms in all districts under the yellow alert.