Monsoon Set to Sweep Gujarat as Surat Drenched by Heavy Rains

SURAT : After a two-week lull, the southwest monsoon has finally regained momentum over Gujarat, bringing widespread showers, severe waterlogging, and renewed hopes for farmers. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the monsoon to cover the remaining parts of Gujarat within the next two days, Surat witnessed the season’s first major spell overnight, exposing the city’s recurring drainage woes and disrupting normal life.

According to the IMD, atmospheric conditions are now highly favourable for the rapid advance of the southwest monsoon across Gujarat. A fresh Western Disturbance is also expected to become active over northwest India from July 2, which could further intensify rainfall activity across the region.

Rainfall was reported in 28 talukas between 6 am and 10 am on Tuesday. Surat city recorded the highest rainfall at nearly 2 inches, while Valod in Tapi district received 1 mm during the same period. Moderate to heavy showers were also reported from Navsari, Tapi, Amreli, Junagadh and Una, bringing relief from prolonged dry weather.

In Surat, however, the rain quickly exposed civic infrastructure failures. Several areas, including Katargam, Udhna-Navsari Road, Parvat Patiya and Amroli, witnessed severe waterlogging, with vehicles stranded and traffic brought to a standstill. Overflowing sewage at Bhimnagar Garnala blocked the Udhna-Sachin road for hours, while fallen trees added to commuters’ woes.

Educational institutions were also affected. Knee-deep water flooded the campus of Bhagwan Mahavir University in Vesu, disrupting student movement. Students of Saraswati Vidyalaya in Parvat Gam were forced to wade through water after backflow from Mithi Creek inundated school surroundings, triggering criticism over poor urban planning and drainage management.

“The southwest monsoon is likely to advance into the remaining parts of Gujarat over the next two to three days as weather conditions remain favourable,” the IMD said in its latest forecast.

The weather department has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi and Dang on July 1, with rainfall expected to intensify further on July 2. Between July 3 and July 6, South Gujarat is likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, while districts including Bharuch, Vadodara, Panchmahal, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Gir Somnath are also expected to receive significant showers.