On Saturday night, Patan city in Gujarat experienced a sudden change in weather. Around 10:30 PM, strong winds began to blow, followed by heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. This unexpected downpour brought much-needed relief from the heat that had gripped the city throughout the day.
Before the rain, the weather was hot and humid. Residents struggled with rising temperatures despite the cloudy sky. As the rain started, low-lying areas in the city quickly became inundated. Streets were submerged, and the railway’s first drain became flooded, causing difficulties for drivers.
Areas such as Telephone Exchange Road, Gayatri Mandir Road, and Chitrakut Society faced significant waterlogging. The heavy rains spread a coolness in the atmosphere, providing a welcome break from the oppressive heat. Children were seen enjoying the rain, splashing in puddles and reveling in the moment.
This year’s monsoon has been unusual. The southwest monsoon started about ten days late on June 25. Despite this, Gujarat has received more rainfall than last year. In the first fortnight of the monsoon, the state recorded an average of 40% more rain. Kutch district, in particular, saw a remarkable 104% increase in rainfall.
According to reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre, the region has experienced extreme weather, including a cyclone that activated the monsoon. Last year, the state received an average of only 27.69% rainfall during this period. However, this year, Kutch reported 104.44 mm of rain in a single day, surpassing previous averages.
Other regions, like Junagadh and Jamnagar, also received significant rainfall. However, some areas have reported less rain, including Anand and Vadodara, which recorded only about 27.66% of their average rainfall.
Weather officials predict that heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue across Gujarat, especially in areas like Banaskantha, Patan, and Kutch. They advised residents to stay alert for stormy conditions and warned fishermen about rough seas.
Overall, the recent rains have brought joy to many, especially children, who found delight in playing in the rain after enduring the heat. The city of Patan, with its vibrant community, is now looking forward to more rain in the coming days, which will help alleviate the summer heat and replenish local water sources.
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