Ahmedabad: Parts of Gujarat are likely to witness light to moderate rain and thundershowers over the next few days, bringing relief from the rising heat. Meanwhile, after a scorching start to March, maximum temperatures across the state have remained below 40°C, according to the latest weather bulletins issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

As per the forecast, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely at isolated places in Banaskantha, Patan and Sabarkantha districts of North Gujarat, and in Jamnagar, Morbi, Dwarka and Kutch districts of the Saurashtra–Kutch region.
Most other districts are expected to remain dry on March 18.

On March 19, rain activity is expected to increase, with light to moderate showers likely in Banaskantha, Patan, Sabarkantha, and in South Gujarat districts including Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Dang and Tapi.
Several districts of Saurashtra–Kutch such as Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Morbi, Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Botad, Kutch and Diu may also receive rain at a few places.

On March 20, isolated rain or thundershowers are likely in Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Dahod and Mahisagar, and at isolated places in Kutch, while the rest of the state is expected to remain dry.

Temperatures remain below 40°C

The latest observations show that maximum temperatures in major cities of Gujarat are still below the 40°C mark, providing temporary relief from heatwave conditions.

Ahmedabad recorded a maximum temperature of 38.4°C, while Rajkot reported 39.2°C and Bhuj 38.0°C.
Vadodara recorded 36.5°C, Surat 37.0°C, and Bhavnagar 35.3°C, all close to normal for this time of the year.

Weather officials said that cloudiness and the possibility of pre-monsoon activity over parts of the state are helping keep temperatures under control, and the expected rainfall may prevent any sharp rise in heat over the next few days. DeshGujarat

Today’s Weather Report (Reported on 0830 IST)