As anticipated, parts of Gujarat have received moderate to heavy rains in the past 24 hours. Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Anand, Vallabh Vidyanagar in central Gujarat and Amreli, Junagarh in Saurashtra have received heavy rainfall. Moderate rainfall was recorded over Surendranagar, Kandla and Bhuj. Rainfall spread and intensity are likely to increase over most parts of the state of Gujarat and more so for Saurashtra & Kutch, over the next 3 days. The flooding rains may disrupt normal life and impinge connectivity.
There are multiple factors joining together to enhance the monsoon activity to vigorous conditions over the state. A cyclonic circulation has formed over Southwest Pakistan and is helping to pull moist winds from the Arabian Sea. Also, there is a low-pressure area over South Odisha and an adjoining region. This system is strengthening the monsoon westerlies along the coastline of the state. Yet another trigger is the east-west oriented shear zone, almost along 20°N, in close proximity to the state. These features work in tandem and complement each other, accentuating the monsoon activity. The weather activity will not be equal in all parts of the state. The western half, including Saurashtra, will be battered more than the others.
Today, the heavy rainfall activity is likely over Surendranagar, Rajkot, Morbi and Botad. Moderate showers are also likely over Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Baroda and Anand. Tomorrow the spread will increase. Very heavy rains will lash the entire coastline of Saurashtra covering Jamnagar, Khambalia, Okha, Dwarka, Porbandar, Somnath, Diu, Una, Veraval and Bhavnagar. Parts of north Gujarat covering Sabarkantha, Aravali, Palanpur, Mehsana and Kheda will also be at risk of getting moderate to heavy showers. For the next two days, on the 18th and 19th of July, the severe weather activity will largely cover Jamnagar, Porbandar, Okha, Rajkot, Kandla, Bhuj, Naliya and Lakhpat. The situation will ease out on 20th July and later days. Moderate rainfall is likely over the rest parts of the state during the period between 16th and 19th July.
