Gujarat experienced widespread rainfall on Sunday, leading to a remarkable drop in temperatures. Several areas recorded temperatures more than 8°C below normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in multiple districts. This alert is in effect until July 5.
The rainfall covered 160 talukas across the state, with Kadi in Mehsana receiving the highest amount of rain at 91 mm. This significant downpour brought welcome relief from the heat. Gandhinagar reported the lowest maximum temperature in the state at 28.2°C, which is 8.8°C below normal.
Other cities also experienced a similar trend. In Ahmedabad, the temperature dropped to 28.6°C, which is 8.2°C below normal. Deesa recorded a temperature of 29.4°C (8°C below normal), while Mahuva and Surendranagar reported temperatures of 29.6°C and 29.8°C respectively. The highest temperature in the state was noted at Dwarka, where it reached 34.9°C.
The IMD explained that the current spell of rain is due to multiple weather systems. These include an upper air cyclonic circulation over south Rajasthan and adjoining north Gujarat. An east-west trough exists, extending from this system to a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal. Additionally, there is another cyclonic circulation over the north Arabian Sea. These weather systems are expected to continue bringing heavy rain across Gujarat until July 5.
On July 2 and 3, an orange alert has been issued for several areas, including Navsari, Valsad, Surat, Sabarkantha, and Aravalli. These alerts indicate that heavy rainfall is expected in these districts.
On Sunday, several key talukas recorded significant rainfall. For example, Viramgam in Ahmedabad received 84 mm, while Kalol in Gandhinagar saw 52 mm. Umarpada in Surat reported 49 mm, and Detroj in Ahmedabad had 47 mm. Other areas like Savli in Vadodara and Bavla in Ahmedabad recorded 41 mm and 31 mm respectively.
In the past 24 hours, Chikhli in Navsari received 88 mm of rain, while Valsad and Vapi saw 82 mm and 66 mm respectively. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Gujarat has received 278.90 mm of rainfall this season, which is about 31.62% of its average seasonal rainfall.
Out of 206 dams in Gujarat, 19 are on high alert, with 13 on alert and 14 at warning levels. The roads and buildings department has reported the closure of four state highways in Banaskantha, Vadodara, Narmada, and Surendranagar. A total of 85 panchayat roads are also closed, with the highest number in Navsari (27), followed by Valsad (10) and Bhavnagar (8).
As heavy rain is still expected, authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Residents are advised to stay informed and exercise caution in low-lying or flood-prone areas. The rain has brought relief from the recent heat, but safety remains a priority as conditions can change rapidly. Citizens are reminded to be prepared and stay safe during this rainy spell.
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