Unseasonal Rain in Surat and Ankleshwar Disrupts Weddings, Worries Farmers

Surat | Gujarat — A sudden spell of unseasonal rain swept across South and Central Gujarat early on February 20, catching residents off guard and disrupting wedding celebrations at the peak of the marriage season. From Surat to Ankleshwar and Godhra, heavy showers lashed several districts, bringing down temperatures and creating a rare “three-season” day — cold mornings, warm afternoons and sudden rain by evening.

In Surat city and district, rain began in the early hours and intensified as the morning progressed. Wedding mandaps erected in open party plots were drenched, decorations damaged and guests left scrambling for shelter. “We were preparing for the morning rituals when the rain started pouring. The entire stage setup got soaked,” said a wedding organiser in Surat. “February showers were the last thing we expected.”

The sudden change in weather was also reported in Hansot and surrounding villages such as Ilav, Sahol, Balota, Sunev and Obha, where unseasonal rain spread a chill across the region. In Ankleshwar-Hansot belt, strong winds compounded the impact, raising concerns about structural damage to temporary event venues.

Farmers in Chhota Udepur and parts of Vadodara expressed anxiety over standing crops, particularly cotton. In Sankheda panthak of Chhota Udepur district, rainfall began around 4:30 am “like the monsoon,” locals said. “Our cotton crop is ready for harvest. If the rain continues, it will cause severe losses,” a farmer from the region said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the sudden showers to the combined effect of a Western Disturbance, cyclonic circulation and a trough system currently active over the state. According to the IMD forecast, wind speeds of 30 to 40 kmph are likely in several parts of Ankleshwar and Hansot over the next few days, with northwesterly winds expected to remain stronger than normal.

While rainfall activity may continue in isolated areas, the weather department indicated that conditions are likely to turn mainly dry across Gujarat by February 24. Minimum temperatures may rise gradually by 2 to 3 degrees over the next two days.

Officials highlighted technological upgrades that have improved forecasting accuracy. The newly introduced Multi Hazard Early Warning Decision System enables district-level predictions for hazards such as cyclones, hailstorms and air quality changes. “Forecast accuracy has improved by nearly 20 percent with the new system,” an IMD official said, adding that the department has received recognition from the e-Governance Department for its innovation.

Adding to the unusual weather pattern, dense fog blanketed Valsad a day earlier, severely reducing visibility on National Highway 48. Motorists were forced to drive with headlights on even during daylight hours, causing traffic slowdowns and delays for office-goers and students.