Gandhinagar: Although the onset of the southwest monsoon has been delayed, several parts of Gujarat received much-needed relief from the heat as widespread rainfall was recorded across the state during the 24-hour period ending at 6 am on Wednesday.

According to data from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), rainfall was reported in 63 talukas across Gujarat. Balasinor in Mahisagar district recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 147 mm (5.79 inches).

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall exceeding 64.5 mm in 24 hours is classified as heavy rainfall. Based on this criterion, Balasinor in Mahisagar, Bhiloda and Dhansura in Aravalli district, and Satlasana in Mehsana district witnessed heavy rain during the period.

Among the areas that received moderate rainfall were Galteshwar (57 mm), Kapadvanj (55 mm), Desar (53 mm), Ghoghamba (52 mm), Jambughoda (51 mm), and Kadana (49 mm). Sathamba in Aravalli recorded 35 mm of rainfall, while Bayad received 33 mm and Kathlal in Kheda district recorded 32 mm. Godhra in Panchmahal and Meghraj in Aravalli received 28 mm each, which also falls under the moderate rainfall category.

Other parts of the state received lighter showers. Palanpur in Banaskantha recorded 23 mm of rainfall, Umreth in Anand 19 mm, and Devgadh Baria in Dahod 11 mm. Meanwhile, Borsad in Anand, Kalol in Gandhinagar, Nanapondha in Valsad, Navsari, and Mendarda in Junagadh recorded just 1 mm of rainfall each.

According to the IMD, the rainfall activity is being influenced by a western disturbance and an associated cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan and adjoining areas at 3.1 km above mean sea level. A trough aloft in the middle tropospheric levels, with its axis at 5.8 km above mean sea level roughly along longitude 72°E to the north of latitude 32°N, also persists and is contributing to the prevailing weather conditions. DeshGujarat