Gujarat may see rain during Navratri; cyclone activity possible in November: Ambalal Patel

Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s veteran weather forecaster Ambalal Patel has predicted the possibility of rain and thunderstorms in parts of Gujarat during the upcoming Navratri festival, with intermittent showers likely from around Saptami through Dussehra.

According to Patel, Gujarat may experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds between September 26 and October 5. He also predicted the possibility of strong winds along the Gujarat coast on October 5 and again around October 17.

Talking to the media, Patel said cloudy weather or rain could occur at the beginning of Navratri, while scattered showers may continue in some parts of the state from the middle of the festival until Dussehra. He attributed the possibility of rain during Navratri partly to what he described as favourable Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions.

It is noteworthy that Navratri will commence this year on October 11 and conclude on October 20.

Looking ahead, Patel also forecast the possibility of cyclonic activity during October, November and December. He said a strong cyclone could potentially develop from around November 18 through December, although its intensity and path would become clearer closer to the time.

He stated that the Arabian Sea could witness cyclonic activity or the development of a well-marked low-pressure system, potentially bringing rain if the system does not move towards Oman. DeshGujarat