Surat: Though the monsoon arrival has been delayed in the state, rain clouds made a strong entry into South Gujarat early this morning, lashing Surat, Valsad, Navsari, Narmada and Tapi districts with torrential rain. According to data from the State Emergency Operation Center, rainfall was recorded in 29 talukas between 6 am and 12 noon, with the highest rainfall of 45 mm (1.77 inches) recorded in Umarpada taluka of Surat district.

Between 10 am and 12 noon, 45 mm of rainfall was recorded in Umarpada, 39 mm in Sagbara of Narmada, and 16 mm in Chikhalda. Meanwhile, between 6 am and 10 am, 30 mm of rainfall was recorded in Valsad, 26 mm in Areth of Surat, and 15 mm in Surat city. Apart from this, rain showers also occurred in talukas including Pardi, Khergam, Jalalpore, Gandevi, Palsana, Vyara, Valod and Songadh.

Due to the sudden heavy rains, many low-lying areas in Surat city were flooded. Limbayat Garnala was submerged in water once again, causing great distress to motorists and local residents. Traffic jams were also reported due to waterlogging on the road near Udhna Water Works. On the other hand, students, motorists and local residents faced difficulties commuting as the Mughravali railway underpass in Valsad was flooded.

Usually, the monsoon becomes active in Gujarat by mid-June, but this year its progress has slowed due to El Niño and cyclonic factors. As a result, many parts of the state have not yet received adequate rainfall for sowing, leaving farmers worried. However, the rains in South Gujarat have given hope to the farming community.

Meanwhile, hot and humid conditions have persisted in most parts of the state, including Ahmedabad. The maximum temperature in Ahmedabad on Sunday was recorded at 40.7 degrees Celsius, which is 2.8 degrees above normal. According to the India Meteorological Department, the southwest monsoon is likely to advance into more areas of Maharashtra, Telangana and Odisha around June 23, following which rainfall activity is expected to increase in Gujarat in the coming days. DeshGujarat