Ahmedabad, May 30, 2026 – After days of scorching heat that pushed temperatures above 43°C in many parts of Gujarat, a dramatic weather shift brought much-needed relief on Friday as unseasonal rain lashed Aravalli and Mahisagar districts from early morning. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the pre-monsoon activity has triggered a sharp drop in temperatures across the state, with Rajkot recording the biggest plunge of 3.7°C in just 24 hours.
The maximum temperature in Rajkot fell from 43.6°C to 39.9°C, while several other cities also saw notable cooling: Surendranagar dropped 3.2°C to 41.5°C, Deesa by 4.1°C to 38.1°C, and Amreli by 2.4°C to 39.5°C. Ahmedabad remained the hottest spot in the state at 43.1°C, though it too cooled slightly by 1.3°C. The weather department has forecast a further gradual decline of 3-5°C across Gujarat over the next seven days.
Rain began pouring in Aravalli district’s Modasa, Malpur, Bhiloda, and the pilgrimage town of Shamlaji, with heavy showers reported in rural pockets like Washerakampa, Sunokh, Isrol, Jeetpur, and Jeevanpur. In neighbouring Mahisagar, dark clouds covered Lunawada, Khanpur, Santrampur, and Kadana (Godhar), leading to light-to-moderate rain that brought instant relief to residents tired of the unbearable heat.
The IMD has issued a six-day stormy weather alert (May 30 to June 4) for as many as 11 districts and parts of Saurashtra-Kutch. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds gusting at 40-50 kmph, lightning, and scattered to heavy rain are expected in Banaskantha, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Chhota Udepur, and pockets of South Gujarat including Daman and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Heavier spells are likely in Aravalli, Dahod, and Mahisagar on certain days, while lighter rain with thunder is forecast across North and South Gujarat, as well as parts of Saurashtra including Gir Somnath and Diu.
Farmers have been specifically urged to immediately move standing crops and fodder to safer locations to prevent damage from the strong winds and heavy showers. “This sudden change is typical pre-monsoon activity, but the gusty winds and lightning can harm standing fields,” a weather official noted.
The forecast indicates continued activity through June 4, with varying intensity: light-to-moderate rain on May 30, heavier spells in select northern districts on May 31 and June 1, and widespread thundery showers covering most of the state by June 2-4.
Gujarat’s residents are breathing easier after weeks of extreme heat, but authorities advise caution during the stormy period due to the risk of lightning and gusty winds.