Ahmedabad, Dec 31 : Unseasonal rains have once again gripped Gujarat in the middle of winter, triggering fresh concerns among farmers and residents as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast continued wet weather across large parts of the state over the next 48 hours.
On Wednesday, rainy conditions were reported from several districts, including Porbandar, Dwarka, Khambhaliya and Banaskantha, while the IMD warned of heavy rain in Porbandar and Kutch for the next three hours. The sudden shift in weather, which first impacted the Saurashtra-Kutch region, has now extended to central Gujarat and Ahmedabad as well.
Porbandar city witnessed thunderstorms early Wednesday morning, accompanied by rainfall. Unseasonal showers were also recorded in Dwarka and Kalyanpur talukas, while light rain was reported from Khambhaliya, adding to the widespread weather disturbance.
The IMD has cautioned that the rainy spell may persist for the next two days. According to the department, scattered to light rainfall is likely in North Gujarat and the Saurashtra-Kutch region, while normal rainfall is expected in parts of western Kutch within 24 hours. Light unseasonal rain has also been predicted in Patan and Banaskantha in North Gujarat, and Dwarka, Jamnagar, Morbi and Kutch Panthak.
“There is a possibility of heavy rain in Porbandar and Kutch for the next three hours,” the Meteorological Department said, adding that “weather conditions across Gujarat are expected to change over the next 48 hours.”
The return of rain during mid-winter has heightened anxiety among farmers, many of whom are still recovering from crop losses caused by earlier unseasonal showers. “Farmers who have barely recovered from earlier crop damage are again worried due to the sudden rain,” local sources said.
Interestingly, despite the unseasonal showers and increased humidity, Gujarat has not yet experienced the usual severe cold wave, which typically sets in by late November or early December. The IMD noted that cloud cover and intermittent rainfall are influencing winter conditions across the state.
“Unseasonal rains are likely to continue for two days during the winter season,” IMD officials said, advising people to remain cautious as Gujarat experiences an unusual blend of winter chill and monsoon-like showers.
