Ahmedabad: Gujarat recorded the country’s highest rainfall deficit in June, receiving just 20.5 mm of rain against the normal 110.8 mm by June 30, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). With an 82% shortfall, the state topped the list of rain-deficient states, ahead of Meghalaya (74%), Manipur (71%) and Chhattisgarh (65%), all of which fall under the IMD’s “large deficient” category.

Ahmedabad also witnessed a significantly dry month. Against the normal June rainfall of 98.2 mm, the district received only 22.8 mm, recording a 77% deficit. The city itself has received just 11 mm of rainfall so far, accounting for only 1.3% of its average annual rainfall.

Weather experts described this as one of the driest Junes in recent years for both Gujarat and Ahmedabad.

According to IMD officials, the northern limit of the southwest monsoon currently passes through Surat. Normally, the monsoon covers the entire state by the end of June, but its progress has remained sluggish this year, with only the districts of south Gujarat covered so far.

Meanwhile, in a relief, rain activity picked up in parts of the state on Tuesday, with 64 talukas recording at least 1 mm of rainfall and 20 talukas receiving 28 mm or more. Navsari recorded the highest rainfall at 94 mm till 8 pm, as most of the rainfall was concentrated in south Gujarat and coastal Saurashtra.

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall on Wednesday in parts of south and east Gujarat, including Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Tapi, Dang, Navsari and Valsad. Moderate rainfall is also likely over several areas of south and central Gujarat.

From Thursday onwards, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across south Gujarat, with the wet spell likely to continue until July 6. IMD officials also said the southwest monsoon is expected to advance further into the remaining parts of the state over the next few days. DeshGujarat