Ahmedabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm warning and light rain forecast for parts of Gujarat later this week, with gusty winds reaching up to 40 kmph likely in isolated districts of North Gujarat and Kutch, according to the latest weather bulletin released on March 26.

As per the forecast, dry weather is expected to prevail across Gujarat, Saurashtra-Kutch, and the Union Territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli for the next three days. However, weather conditions are likely to change from March 29 due to the impact of an upper air cyclonic circulation over southeast Rajasthan and another circulation over west Rajasthan adjoining Pakistan. A fresh western disturbance is also expected to affect northwest India from the night of March 28.

Rain and thunderstorm warning from March 29

The weather department has predicted light rain and thunderstorms at isolated places on March 29, mainly in Banaskantha district of North Gujarat and parts of Kutch.

On March 30, rain and thunderstorm activity may expand to more districts, including Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Dahod and Mahisagar, along with isolated areas of Kutch. During this period, lightning, gusty winds of 30–40 kmph and light rain are likely.

No warning has been issued for the remaining days of the week, and dry weather is expected to return across the state from March 31 onwards.

Temperatures to fall slightly

The IMD said there will be no major change in maximum temperatures during the next 24 hours, but a gradual fall of 2–3°C is likely afterwards. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged during the next seven days.

During the past 24 hours, weather remained dry across the state. The highest maximum temperature recorded in the region was 38.5°C at Amreli, while the lowest minimum temperature was 18.6°C at Kandla Airport.

Forecast for Ahmedabad

For Ahmedabad and adjoining areas, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy till March 27, with the maximum temperature likely to be around 39°C and the minimum around 24°C.

Advisory issued

The weather department has advised people to remain alert during thunderstorm activity, as strong winds may damage trees, standing crops, power lines and temporary structures. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors during lightning, avoid taking shelter under trees, and keep away from electric poles and water bodies during storms. DeshGujarat