The wet and cloudy spell is bound to happen in Ahmedabad as Gujarat still faces the impact of the weather due to Cyclone Shakti brewing in the Arabian Sea. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain showers are intermittent in the next four days with humid winds and overcast skies in Ahmedabad and other parts of the region.
As per the IMD forecasts, the cyclone, formed in the east-central Arabian Sea, is moving north-westwards and slowly gaining power. Although the system is not likely to hit Gujarat directly, its peripheral effects are already being experienced in coastal and inland areas, including Ahmedabad. Consequently, light to moderate rain and thunderstorms will continue until October 7.
The people of Ahmedabad woke to grey skies and intermittent light showers on Sunday, giving them much-needed relief against the persistent heat. According to the meteorologists, the winds of the Arabian Sea, which are fertile in moisture content, are causing high humidity and thick cloud cover in this area. The IMD has also forecast strong winds in sections of Saurashtra and Kutch and advised fishermen not to go out to sea until things have calmed down.
Local authorities have been alerted, particularly in low-lying areas that are highly susceptible to waterlogging. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has recommended that people be cautious when travelling during heavy spells and be informed about the official weather advisories.
The first cyclone to occur in the post-monsoon season in the Arabian Sea is Cyclone Shakti. It is believed that it has also led to prolonged rainfall across Gujarat, Maharashtra and coastal areas, extending the withdrawal period of the monsoon slightly. Towns like Dwarka, Veraval and Porbandar on coastal Saurashtra have already been reporting moderate and heavy rains over the weekend, and Sutrapada topped at over 200 mm of rainfall.
According to weather officials, Ahmedabad will experience occasional rain, with clouds and other humid weather in the next few days, and thereafter the system is expected to weaken as it moves towards the sea and further westwards.
In the meantime, residents are enjoying the cooler evenings and a respite from the dry heat of the autumn, although the humidity is still high. Governments are still keeping close tabs on the cyclone movement to provide timely updates and preventative measures to citizens.
The IMD has promised that even though Cyclone Shakti will not have a direct impact on Ahmedabad, causing severe winds, its rain-bearing clouds will continue to keep the city wet and cloudy throughout the week.
