Heavy Rains Forecast in Gujarat from August 14 to 19

Ahmedabad | Gujarat —- After weeks of dry weather and growing concerns among farmers, Gujarat is set to receive widespread heavy rainfall between August 14 and 19, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The rains in Gujarat are expected to bring much-needed relief to the state’s agriculture sector, which has been under stress due to the prolonged break in the monsoon.

“The monsoon has reactivated with four weather systems influencing Gujarat. Rain will now be widespread, and its intensity will increase from Thursday,” said weather expert Paresh Goswami, adding that “this spell will be crucial for standing crops and sowing in pending areas.”

On Tuesday, rainfall was recorded in 45 talukas across the state, with Navsari receiving the highest downpour. Overall, Gujarat has recorded 64.62% of its seasonal average so far. Region-wise, South Gujarat leads with 69.10%, followed by Central Gujarat (66.68%), North Gujarat (66.21%), and Kutch (65.17%). Saurashtra has seen the lowest rainfall at 56.70%.

The state’s 207 dams currently hold 71.97% of their total storage capacity. The Narmada dam alone is at 75.19% capacity. Authorities have placed 51 dams on high alert, 26 on alert, and 26 on warning due to rising water levels.

Agricultural data shows that crops have been sown in 74.85 lakh hectares this year, which is 87.48% of the normal sown area of 85.57 lakh hectares. Major crops include oilseeds (26.94 lakh ha), groundnut (20.54 lakh ha), cotton (20.58 lakh ha), cereals (12.88 lakh ha), paddy (8.44 lakh ha), maize (2.72 lakh ha), pulses (3.48 lakh ha), and fodder crops (8.2 lakh ha).

Farmers across the state have welcomed the forecast. “The rain will save our crops from wilting. If it comes in good measure, we can expect a better harvest,” said Bhavesh Patel, a farmer from Mehsana.