Ahmedabad: A spell of unseasonal rain has brought much-needed relief from the ongoing heat wave across parts of Gujarat, while also causing disruptions and raising concerns among farmers. The rainfall, triggered by a cyclonic circulation over southeast Rajasthan and a north-south trough extending to south Tamil Nadu, began early Sunday and is expected to continue through the week, as per the Indian Meteorological Department.
Several northern districts, including Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Aravalli, Ambaji, and rural areas of Banaskantha, have experienced light to moderate showers accompanied by thunder and gusty winds. In Kheralu (Mehsana), lightning and strong winds led to brief power outages in some villages, adding to residents’ discomfort despite the cooler weather.
In Aravalli, early morning showers damaged crops in Malpur, Modasa, and Meghraj, sparking concern among local farmers. Ambaji witnessed a dramatic shift in weather as intense winds and thunderstorms brought a chill after a hot and humid day. While the rain was welcomed for preventing further crop drying, it also caused blackouts in parts of the district.
Rural areas near Palanpur, such as Bapla, Vachhol, and Kundi, also saw rainfall. Meanwhile, Mount Abu in neighbouring Rajasthan was hit by a sudden late-night downpour with hail and high winds, sharply lowering temperatures at the hill station.
Though the showers have eased daytime heat, they have disrupted power supply in several regions and threaten key summer crops such as maize, millet, and sorghum. The weather department has predicted that this unseasonal activity may persist till May 8.