Ahmedabad: Even though the monsoon has retreated, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a fresh spell of rain across Gujarat. Due to an active depression over the Arabian Sea, light to moderate scattered rainfall is expected in several parts of the state in the coming week. The IMD has also issued port warnings and advisories for fishermen, urging them to avoid venturing into the sea over the next few days.

According to M.K. Das, Director of IMD Gujarat, the depression currently active over the east-central Arabian Sea is likely to bring scattered showers to various regions of the state. Along the south Gujarat coast, LCS-III signals have been hoisted at ports, while DC-I signals remain in place along the Saurashtra coast as a precautionary measure.

The IMD bulletin states that a depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea has intensified and moved north-northeastward at a speed of around 25 kmph over the past three hours. According to the department, the system was centered at 8:30 a.m. today near latitude 14.0°N and longitude 70.6°E — approximately 380 km west-southwest of Panjim (Goa), 400 km northwest of Aminidivi (Lakshadweep), and 480 km west-northwest of Mangalore (Karnataka). It is expected to continue moving in a north-northeastward direction across the east-central Arabian Sea during the next 24 hours.

Port Warnings Issued

The IMD has advised the following changes in port signals along the Gujarat coast:

North Gujarat Coast: Lower the DC-I signal and hoist LC-III at Porbandar and Okha. Keep DC-I hoisted at Jakhau, Mandvi (Kutch), Mundra, New Kandla, Sikka, Navlakhi, Jamnagar, and Salaya.

South Gujarat Coast: Lower DC-I and hoist LC-III at Veraval, Mul Dwarka, Diu, Jafrabad, Pipavav, Victor, Bhavnagar, Alang, Bharuch, Dahej, Magdalla, and Daman.

Warnings and Forecast

Rainfall: Light to moderate rain is likely at many places, with heavy rainfall at isolated locations over the coastal areas of Gujarat on October 25 and 26.

Wind: Squally weather with wind speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, is expected over the northeast Arabian Sea and along the Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts on October 25 and 26.

Sea Condition: The sea is likely to remain moderate to rough during this period along and off the Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts.

Fishermen Warning: Fishermen are advised not to venture into the northeast Arabian Sea or along and off the Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts on October 25 and 26.

Likely Impact

• Tree branches may break, and strong winds could damage plantations, horticulture, and standing crops.

• Minor damage is expected to kutcha houses, huts, and roads.

• Heavy rain may disrupt road and rail traffic and lead to localized flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

• Visibility may reduce occasionally due to intense rain.

• Surface and helicopter services may face temporary disruption.

• Small ships and country boats could be adversely affected by strong winds and rough sea conditions.

Authorities have urged coastal residents, fishermen, and local administrations to remain alert and follow official advisories closely. DeshGujarat