Third Spell of Unseasonal Rain Threatens Gujarat Crops, Farmers on Edge

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — Just weeks into summer, Gujarat is staring at a third spell of unseasonal rain, raising alarm bells for farmers already battling unpredictable weather. The India Meteorological Department has warned that thunderstorms, gusty winds and rain are likely to continue across the state until April 4, triggered by the simultaneous activation of cyclonic circulation, a western disturbance and a rain trough.

Weather experts say the instability could stretch even longer.

Rain May Continue Till April 12

Renowned weather expert Ambalal Patel has predicted rainfall across several regions for up to 10 days, with the risk of hailstorms in Saurashtra and Kutch. He also warned that storm activity may return again in May.

“The changing weather pattern indicates extended pre-monsoon activity. Rain and storms may continue in phases,” he said.

Hailstorm Hits Jamnagar Villages

The warning comes after a sudden weather shift struck parts of Jamnagar district. Villages in Lalpur taluka witnessed heavy rain, thunder and hail, leaving roads covered in white ice pellets and waterlogging in several areas.

Farmers in Big Veraval and nearby villages now fear major crop damage, as standing summer crops are highly vulnerable to hail and strong winds.

Residents described the sudden change as dramatic. Dark clouds gathered within minutes before strong winds and intense rainfall lashed rural areas.

Thunderstorms, Winds Up to 70 kmph

According to IMD Director Dr. A.K. Das, the state can expect moderate rainfall with thunderstorms over the next few days. Wind speeds are forecast to reach 30–40 kmph, with some regions experiencing gusts up to 60–70 kmph due to a strengthening western disturbance in northern India.

The changing system is expected to impact Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Kutch, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Panchmahal, while parts of Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar may also witness pre-monsoon showers.

Ahmedabad recorded a maximum temperature of 37°C in the last 24 hours, but a 2–3°C drop is expected due to cloud cover and rain.

Fresh Weather System Around April 10–12

Meteorologists warn that another spell of rain could develop between April 10 and April 12, bringing strong winds and heavy showers to several parts of Gujarat.

Heatwave to Return After Mid-April

Despite the current cool spell, experts say the heat will intensify after April 20. Temperatures could rise to 43–44°C in May, accompanied by possible cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

For Gujarat’s farmers, the immediate worry remains the skies above.

“Every spell of unseasonal rain increases the risk of crop losses,” an agriculture expert said, urging farmers to take precautionary measures as the state braces for more turbulent weather.