Ahmedabad, Sep 23 (NationPress) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for ongoing wet weather conditions over the next week, predicting substantial rainfall in South and Central Gujarat along with Saurashtra, as downpours have already impacted various areas in the state.

In the past 24 hours, rainfall was noted in 50 talukas across Gujarat, with Dang receiving the highest measurement at 4.5 inches. Locations such as Mahuva in Bhavnagar district and Palsana in Surat district experienced over three inches, while Subir, Dharampur, and Kaprada recorded more than two inches each. Both Umarpada and Khergam saw two inches, while 10 other talukas noted up to one inch. The majority of remaining talukas experienced less than half an inch.

Officials attribute the rain to shifting wind patterns and a weather system developing over Maharashtra. With Navratri celebrations underway, organizers are concerned that the persistent rain could disrupt festivities. A senior IMD official remarked, “Light to moderate showers are anticipated across Gujarat until the month concludes.”

Adding to the apprehensions, renowned meteorologist Ambalal Patel forecasts another rain episode from September 27 to October 2, which overlaps with the festival period. He predicts intense downpours in multiple districts, with certain areas potentially receiving up to four inches. According to Patel, rain activity is expected to persist until Dussehra.

The districts likely to be impacted include Gandhinagar, Aravalli, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Anand, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad, Rajkot, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Morbi, Gir Somnath, and Botad. Farmers have welcomed this late-season rainfall, which could benefit their crops, but urban dwellers remain wary as several towns have already reported waterlogging and traffic disruptions.

Gujarat has recorded a total of 975 mm of rainfall this monsoon, representing approximately 111 percent of its long-term average, with most areas experiencing above-normal precipitation. For instance, Kutch has seen around 136 percent of normal rainfall, while North Gujarat received 119 percent, Central 113 percent, South 115 percent, and Saurashtra about 95 percent. Consequently, the state’s reservoirs are well-replenished, showing an overall dam storage level of 81.4 percent of capacity across 207 reservoirs.

The Sardar Sarovar Dam is nearly at its full capacity, holding approximately 96 percent, while many other significant dams are between 88 percent and 96 percent. Officials indicate that several dams are on high alert due to rising water levels; however, the overall water situation remains stable, ensuring sufficient supply for drinking, irrigation, and industrial needs, even if rainfall decreases in October.