Surat: A sudden change in weather conditions was witnessed across Gujarat early Friday morning as unseasonal rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, lashed several districts, including Surat, Ankleshwar, Vadodara, Dahod and Chhota Udepur.

Disruption to Wedding Events and Official Programmes

With the wedding season currently underway, several pavilions erected in open grounds were soaked due to the unexpected showers, triggering panic among organisers and families.

In Surat, the ‘Book Fair’ to be organised by the Municipal Corporation was also affected after rainwater entered the venue. The special dome set up ahead of the inauguration by the Chief Minister, scheduled for February 22, was partially drenched. The administration immediately deployed trucks carrying tarpaulins to secure the arrangements and prevent further damage.

Waterlogging and Traffic Snarls

The showers led to minor waterlogging on key roads and in low-lying areas of Surat, causing inconvenience to commuters and disrupting routine business activities.

The Ankleshwar and Hansot regions witnessed a sudden weather shift, with rainfall reported in villages such as Ilav, Sahol, Balota, Sunev and Obha.

In central Gujarat, showers were recorded in Vadodara district, including Waghodia and Shinor talukas, particularly in villages like Avakhal, Achisara and Malpur. Rainfall was also reported in Dahod district, covering Limkheda and villages such as Limdi, Varod, Sanjeli, Nansalai and Mirakhedi. Godhra and parts of Panchmahal, along with the Sankheda area of Chhota Udepur, also received rainfall.

Meanwhile, dense fog reduced visibility along National Highway 48 in Valsad district, forcing motorists to switch on headlights even during daytime hours.

Concern Over Agricultural Crops

The untimely rainfall has raised serious concerns among farmers. In Valsad district, mango orchards—particularly trees in the flowering stage are at risk. Agricultural experts have warned that persistent moisture and fog may lead to blossom drop and increase the likelihood of pest infestation.

Meteorological Department Bulletin

According to the Meteorological Department, a Western Disturbance persists as a cyclonic circulation over north Rajasthan and adjoining parts of Punjab and Haryana between 3.1 km and 7.6 km above mean sea level, tilting northwards with height.

Additionally, a trough extending from north Gujarat to south Haryana across central Rajasthan at 1.5 km above mean sea level continues to persist. DeshGujarat