Unseasonal Storms Hit Gujarat: Strong Winds, Hail Alert, Crop Damage Reported

Ahmedabad | Gujarat —- Unseasonal weather has gripped parts of Gujarat, disrupting normal life and leaving farmers worried, as strong winds and scattered rain lashed several districts on March 19. In Ahmedabad, gusty winds blowing at speeds of 30 to 40 kmph since early morning kicked up massive dust clouds, reducing visibility and causing inconvenience to commuters. Several incidents of trees falling were also reported across the city.

The sudden change in weather comes after warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which had predicted two days of unseasonal rain accompanied by strong winds due to an active western disturbance and cyclonic circulation. “The current system has created conditions for rainfall and gusty winds across the state. These conditions may persist over the next 24 hours,” said meteorologist Pradeep Sharma.

The impact has been severe in rural pockets, especially in Vav-Tharad regions, where standing crops have suffered heavy damage. Farmers reported losses to key crops such as cumin, isabgul, anise, mango, and tobacco. “The strong winds and sudden rain have destroyed crops that were ready for harvest. This is a huge financial setback,” said a local farmer.

In Visnagar, the intensity of the winds was such that sheds of several shops collapsed, highlighting the widespread impact of the storm. Similar conditions were reported in Himmatnagar and other parts of North Gujarat, where dust storms and strong gusts disrupted daily activities.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for several districts including Kutch, Jamnagar, Morbi, and Devbhoomi Dwarka, warning of moderate rain, hailstorms, and wind speeds of up to 61 kmph. There is also a 30 to 60 percent chance of lightning in these regions over the next few hours. A yellow alert has been sounded for Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, and Junagadh, among others, indicating light rain and thunderstorms.

“Rain accompanied by hail is likely in districts such as Kutch, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, and parts of Saurashtra today,” Sharma added, urging residents to remain cautious. Fishermen have been specifically advised not to venture into the sea due to rough weather conditions.

Looking ahead, light rainfall is expected to continue in parts of North Gujarat on March 20. However, the IMD has indicated a sharp rise in temperatures after the next 24 hours, with mercury levels likely to increase by 4 to 5 degrees over the coming week.