The monsoon has officially arrived in South Gujarat, much to the delight of farmers and residents alike. The weather department had predicted rain from June 14 and 15, and they were right. The region experienced significant rainfall, with Umarpada receiving 3.5 inches of rain in just four hours on June 15. The rain brought a welcome coolness after a long spell of heat. In the surrounding areas, Ahwa recorded 3 inches of rain, while other towns like Kamrej and Mangrol saw 1.75 inches and 1.5 inches of rainfall respectively.
On the afternoon of June 15, the skies opened up over Surat city and district, accompanied by thunder and lightning. This downpour was a relief for many who had been suffering from the unbearable heat. The rains also caused water to accumulate in various areas, particularly in Dang district, where lightning and rain struck on the evening of June 14 and continued into the afternoon of June 15.
In Navsari district, the rainfall was less intense, with Khargam recording only 1.2 inches, while other areas noted even lighter rains. The recent unseasonal rain had delayed the harvesting of summer crops. Farmers are now worried about potential damage to their crops due to the monsoon rains.
The weather department has issued an orange alert for several districts, including Amreli, Bhavnagar, Bharuch, Surat, Tapi, Dang, Navsari, and Valsad, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been announced for Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Morbi, Rajkot, Botad, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Anand, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, and Narmada districts.
As the monsoon continues, heavy rainfall is expected in various parts of Gujarat. Alerts have been issued for June 17 in Bhavnagar and for June 18 and 19 in several districts including Kutch, Jamnagar, and Surat. The weather conditions have created a mix of excitement and anxiety among farmers and city dwellers, who hope the rains will be beneficial but are also wary of possible flooding and damage to their fields.
The arrival of the monsoon is a crucial time for agriculture in Gujarat, which relies heavily on these rains to support its crops. The state has diverse climatic conditions, with South Gujarat typically receiving less rainfall than the northern regions. However, this year, the rains have come with a bang, and everyone is keeping an eye on the skies as they hope for a fruitful monsoon season.
In conclusion, while the rains bring much-needed relief from the heat, they also come with challenges. Farmers are urged to prepare for potential impacts on their crops, while residents are reminded to stay safe during heavy rain and thunderstorms. The monsoon season is always a mixed bag in Gujarat, filled with hope and caution as the state navigates through its agricultural calendar.
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