“The windows were rattling, and it broke my sleep around 5.30am. The house was filled with a layer of dust as we forgot to close the windows,” shared local resident Nishtha Sheth, capturing the chaotic start to Thursday in Ahmedabad.
In the early hours, the city experienced a brief but intense dust storm, with strong gusts of wind that reduced visibility across several localities. The dust storm, which rattled homes and disrupted sleep, was accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h.
As the day progressed, sporadic showers were reported in the evening, providing some relief from the heat. However, the weather conditions, linked by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to an upper air cyclonic circulation over west Rajasthan, raised concerns among residents and farmers alike.
Inbound flights faced significant disruptions, with several being diverted to Indore due to the strong winds in Ahmedabad. The IMD forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers in the city over the next 24 hours, adding to the uncertainty of the weather.
On Thursday, Ahmedabad recorded a maximum temperature of 35.2°C and a minimum of 22.5°C, with relative humidity levels fluctuating between 49% in the morning and 31% in the evening. These conditions, combined with strong winds ranging from 15 to 40 km/h, created a challenging environment for residents.
Areas such as SG Highway, Bopal, and Chandkheda reported light drizzle, but the overall weather activity has raised alarms for farmers during the critical harvesting period. Many are now facing the risk of crop damage due to unseasonal rain and hail.
Despite the widespread weather activity, authorities reported no deaths or major disasters, providing a glimmer of relief amid the chaos. However, the concerns for farmers remain paramount as they navigate these unpredictable weather patterns.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding claims of heavy rains in the outskirts of Ahmedabad, leaving residents and farmers anxiously awaiting clearer forecasts and the potential impact on their livelihoods.
