Gujarat Cities Soak Up Half Their Rainfall in Just One Week

Gujarat has experienced a remarkable shift in its monsoon patterns this year, with four major cities receiving over half of their seasonal rainfall within a mere seven days. As of now, the state has recorded 51% of its total seasonal precipitation in just 13 days of peak rainfall. This sudden deluge has raised concerns about potential infrastructure challenges and agricultural impacts across the region.

In a striking example, Dwarka taluka in Devbhoomi Dwarka reported a staggering 138 mm of rainfall by 18:00 on Tuesday, with 120 mm falling within just two hours. This accounted for a significant 25% of the taluka’s total seasonal rainfall, which is approximately 483 mm. Such patterns are not isolated; cities like Surat have reported 61% of their seasonal rains in just seven days, with a notable downpour of 346 mm on June 24. Rajkot experienced 59% of its rainfall during its wettest week, while Ahmedabad and Vadodara recorded 55% and 51%, respectively.

Unusual Weather Patterns Observed

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has noted that the current rainfall distribution in Gujarat is highly erratic. Typically, July and August are the months when the state sees the highest levels of rainfall. However, this year, favorable conditions, including multiple weather systems and a strong monsoon trough, have resulted in a concentration of rains in June. The period from July 30 to August 14 is expected to be relatively dry as the monsoon trough shifts northward, diverting heavy rains to northern India.

Since the official onset of the monsoon on June 15, Gujarat has recorded its highest single-day rainfall of 41 mm on June 17. As of Tuesday, the state has surpassed 70% of its annual average rainfall, with June contributing 34%, July 29%, and August 7% so far.

Experts warn that such intense and concentrated rainfall can lead to severe disruptions in infrastructure and significant crop damage. For instance, on July 28, the city of Nadiad received 265 mm of rain, Daskroi recorded 263 mm, and Mehmedabad saw 238 mm, with each of these amounts exceeding 40% of their total annual rainfall.

The IMD has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in various districts from Tuesday through Thursday, with widespread rains expected to continue across the state until Sunday. A representative from the IMD commented, “This year’s rainfall pattern is slightly different compared to previous years. The conditions are conducive for heavy rains, which have primarily occurred in June.”

As residents and local authorities brace for the ongoing rains, the implications of this unusual monsoon season will likely be felt in both urban and agricultural sectors throughout Gujarat.